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Off-grid solar PV: Is it an affordable or appropriate solution for rural electrification in Sub-Saharan African countries?

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  • Baurzhan, Saule
  • Jenkins, Glenn P.

Abstract

With insolation levels ranging from 4 to 7kWh/m2/day, the African continent receives a higher amount of solar energy on its surface than the rest of the world. Hence, investments in solar electricity generation projects in African countries have the potential to be economically attractive. This paper reviews the feasibility of off-grid solar photovoltaic (PV) systems in SSA, focusing on five major issues in the context of falling system costs: cost-effectiveness, affordability, financing, environmental impact, and poverty alleviation.

Suggested Citation

  • Baurzhan, Saule & Jenkins, Glenn P., 2016. "Off-grid solar PV: Is it an affordable or appropriate solution for rural electrification in Sub-Saharan African countries?," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 60(C), pages 1405-1418.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:rensus:v:60:y:2016:i:c:p:1405-1418
    DOI: 10.1016/j.rser.2016.03.016
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Solar PV; Rural electrification; Sub-Saharan Africa; Cost-effectiveness; Affordability; CO2 emissions;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • Q42 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Energy - - - Alternative Energy Sources
    • O55 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economywide Country Studies - - - Africa

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