Abstract:
The rapid industrialization and fast growth rate in several world economies within ,,' .. ,
the past three decades has led to tremendous increases in the Consumption of the Conventional
energy resources such as wood, oil and natural gas. The nonrenewable nature
'
, 7 of these'sources and the adverse effects their exploitation could pose to life, property
and theenvironment are some of the factors leading to the current efforts to reseafdl '<
and develop renewable and alternative energy resources such as solar energy. Amongst -
these alternative energy options is PHOTOVOLTAICS - the direct conversion of solar "" '
energy to electricity. This paper draws attention to the fields of application in which
Photovoltaics can cost-effectively meet the energy requirements of rural communities Ilacking
grid or diesel generator power supplies. The problem and prospects of this new , -
technology are brought into focus from the point of view of Systems Costs, materials -, -.
development, efficiencies of operation, and adequate institutional.support..
