Implementation of Renewable Energy Technologies in Rural Africa
Africa enjoys some of the best solar radiation levels in
the world averaging between 4-6 kWh/m2/day for most of the year
and the global economic and political conditions that tend to make
African countries more dependent on their own energy resources
have caused growing interest in renewable energy based
technologies. However to-date, implementation of modern Energy
Technologies in Africa is still very low especially the use of solar
conversion technologies. This paper presents literature review and
analysis relating to the techno-economic feasibility of solar
photovoltaic power generation in Africa. The literature is basically
classified into the following four main categories. Techno-economic
feasibility of solar photovoltaic power generation, design methods,
performance evaluations of various systems and policy of potential
future of technological development of photovoltaic (PV) in Africa
by exploring the impact of alternative policy instruments and
technology cost reductions on the financial viability of investing solar
photovoltaic in Africa.
[1] T. E. Drennen, J. D. Erickson and D. Chapman, “Solar Power and
Climate Change Policy in developing Countries,” Energy Policy, Vol.
24, No. 1, 1996, pp. 9-16. doi: 10.1016/0301-4215(95)00117-4
[2] G. C. Bakosa and M. Soursosb, “Techno-Economic Assessment of a
Stand-Alone PV/hybrid Installation for Low-Cost Electrification of a
Tourist Resort in Greece,” Applied Energy, Vol. 73, No. 2, 2002,
pp.183-193. doi.10.4236/sgre.2012.32020
[3] J. L. Bernal-Agustin and R. Dufo-Lopez, “Economical and
Environmental Analysis of Grid Connected Photovoltaic Systems in
Spain,” Renewable Energy, Vol. 31, No. 8, 2006, pp.1107-1128.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0306-2619(02)00062-4 (Accessed 5
November, 2014).
[4] Evaluation of Off-Grid Hybrid Photovoltaic-Diesel Battery Power
Systems for Rural Electrification in Saudi Arabia—A Way Forward for
Sustainable Development,” Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews,
Vol. 13, No. 3, 2009, pp.625-633. doi.10.4236/cweee.2013.22005
[5] M. Kolhe, S. Kolhea and J. C. Joshi, “Economic Viability of Stand-
Alone Solar Photovoltaic System in Comparison with Diesel-Powered
System for India,” Energy Economics, Vol. 24, No. 2, 2002, pp. 155-
165. doi.10.4236/sgre.2012.34037
[6] A. Stoppato, “Life Cycle Assessment of Photovoltaic Electricity
Generation,” Energy, Vol. 33, No. 2, 2008, pp.224-232.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.energy.2007.11.012
[7] M. Raugei and P. Frankl, “Life Cycle Impacts and Costs of Photovoltaic
Systems: Current State of the Art and Future Outlooks,” Energy, Vol.
34, No. 3, 2009, pp. 392- 399. doi:10.1016/j.reseneeco.2009.01.001
[8] M. Kolhe, “Techno-Economic Optimum Sizing of a Stand-Alone Solar
Photovoltaic System,” IEEE Transaction on Energy Conversion, Vol.
24, No. 2, 2009, pp. 511-519.doi.10.1109/TEC.2008.2001455
[9] M. EL-Shimy, “Viability Analysis of PV Power Plants in Egypt,”
Renewable Energy, Vol. 34, No. 10, 2009, pp.2187-2196.
doi.10.4236/sgre.2012.34037
[10] S. S. Dihrab and K. Sopin, “Electricity Generation of Hybrid PV/Wind
Systems in Iraq,” Renewable Energy, Vol. 35, No. 6, 2010, pp.1303-
1307. doi.10.4236/ajac.2013.49060
[11] N. E. Mbaka, N. J. Mucho and K. Godpromesse, “Economic Evaluation
of Small-Scale Photovoltaic Hybrid Systems for Mini-Grid Applications
in Far North Cameroon,” Renewable Energy, Vol.35, No. 10, 2010,
pp.2391-2398. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.renene.2010.03.005
(Acceessed November 6, 2014)
[12] S. Bogdan and M. Salameh, “Methodology for Optimally Sizing the
Combination of a Battery Bank and PV Array in a Wind/PV Hybrid
System,” IEEE Transactions on Energy Conversion, Vol. 11, No. 2,
1996, pp. 367-375 doi.10.4236/sgre.2013.44043
[13] W. D. Kellogg, M. H. Nehrir, G. Venkataramananand. V. Gerez,
“Generation Unit Sizing and Cost Analysis for Stand-Alone Wind,
Photovoltaic, and Hybrid-Wind/PV/System,” IEEE Transactions on
Energy Conversion, Vol. 13, No. 1, 1998, pp. 70-76
doi.10.1109/60.658206
[14] A. N. Celik, “Techno-Economic Analysis of Autonomous PV-Wind
Hybrid Energy Systems Using Different Sizing Methods,” Energy Conversion and Management, Vol. 44, No. 12, 2003, pp. 1951-1968.
doi.10.4236/sgre.2012.34037
[15] M. M. Mahmoud and I. H. Ibrik, “Field Experience on Solar Electric
Power Systems and Their Potential in Palestine,” Renewable and
Sustainable Energy Reviews, Vol. 7, No. 6, 2003, pp. 531-543.
doi.10.4236/sgre.2012.34037
[16] G. Bekele and B. Palm, “Feasibility Study for a Stand-alone Solar-
Wind-Based Hybrid Energy System for Application in Ethiopia,”
Applied Energy, Vol. 87, No. 2, 2010, pp. 487-495
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.apenergy.2009.06.006 (Acceessed November
17,2014)
[17] P. Arun, R. Banerjee and S. Bandyopadhyay, “Sizing Curve for Design
of Isolated Power Systems,” Energy for Sustainable Development, Vol.
11, No. 4, 2007, pp. 21-28. doi.10.4236/sgre.2012.34037
[18] P. Arun, R. Banerjee and S. Bandyopadhyay, “Optimum Sizing of
Photovoltaic Battery Systems Incorporating Uncertainty through Design
Space Approach,” Solar Energy, Vol. 83, No. 7, 2009, pp. 1013-1025.
(Accessed November 10, 2014) http://www.scirp.org/journal/
PaperInformation.aspx?PaperID=38040
[19] E. S. Hrayshat “Techno-Economic Analysis of Autonomous/Hybrid
Photovoltaic-Diesel-Battery System,” Energy for Sustainable
Development, Vol. 13, No. 3, 2009, pp. 143-150.
doi.10.4236/sgre.2012.34037
[20] A. Chaurey and T. C. Kandpal, “A Techno-Economic Comparison of
Rural Electrification Based on Solar Home Systems and PV
Microgrids,” Energy Policy, Vol. 38, No. 6, 2010, pp. 3118-3129.
doi:10.1016/j.enpol.2010.01.052
[21] M. Uzunoglu, O. C. Onar and M. S. Alam, “Modelling, Control and
Simulation of a PV/FC/UC Based Hybrid Power Generation System for
Stand-Alone Applications,” Renewable Energy, Vol. 34, No. 3, 2009,
pp. 509-520. doi.10.4236/sgre.2013.41013
[22] A. Mellit, S. A. Kalogirou, L. Hontoria and S. Shaari, “Artificial
Intelligence Techniques for Sizing Photovoltaic Systems: A Review,”
Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Vol. 13, No. 2, 2009,
pp.406-419 http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2008.01.006(Assessed
November 15, 2014)
[23] M. R. Borges Neto, P. C. M. Carvalho, J. O. B. Carioca and J. F.
Canafıstula, “Biogas/Photovoltaic Hybrid Power System for
Decentralized Energy Supply of Rural Areas,” Energy Policy, Vol. 38,
No. 8, 2010, pp. 4497-4506.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.enpol.2010.04.004 (Accessed November 2,
2014)
[24] B. K. Bala and S. A. Siddique, “Optimal Design of a PV-Diesel Hybrid
System for Electrification of an Isolated Island Sandwitch in Bangladesh
Using Genetic Algorithm,” Energy for Sustainable Development, Vol.
13, No. 3, 2009, pp. 137-142.
[25] M. Sidrach-de-Cardona and L. M. Lopez, “Evaluation of a Grid-
Connected Photovoltaic System in Southern Spain,” Renewable Energy,
Vol. 15, No. 1-4, 1998, pp. 527-530. doi:10.1016/S0960-
1481(98)00218-3
[26] A. Schmitt, G. Huard and G. Kwiatkowsk, “PV-Hybrid Microplants and
Mini-Grids for Decentralised Rural Electrification in Developing
Countries,” EDF Research and development, France, 2006
[27] N. Kaushika, N. K. Gautam and K. Kaushik, “Simulation Model for
Sizing of Standalone Solar PV System with Interconnected Array,”
Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells, Vol. 85, No. 4, 2005, pp.499-
519. doi:10.1016/j.solmat.2004.05.024
[28] A. Lietzmann, D. Frohler and K. Lietzmann, “Practical Experiences and
Dimensioning in the Operation of Decentralized Energy Supply Stations,
at RIO 5-World Climate & Energy Event,” Proceedings-of-the-
International Conference, Rio de Janeiro, 2005.
[29] A. H. M. E. Reinders, Pramusito, A. Sudradjat, V. A. P. van Dijk, R.
Mulyadi and W. C. Turkenburg, “Sukatani Revisited: On the
Performance of Nine-Year-Old Solar Home Systems and Street Lighting
Systems in Indonesia,” Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews,
Vol. 3, No. 1, 1999, pp. 1-47. doi.10.4236/sgre.2012.34037
[30] C. Greacen and D. Green, “The Role of Bypass Diodes in the Failure of
Solar Battery Charging Stations in Thailand,” Solar Energy Materials
and Solar Cells, Vol. 70, No. 2, 2001, pp. 141-149.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0927-0248(01)00017-4 (Accessed November
8, 2014)
[31] F. Giraud and Z. M. Salameh, “Steady-State Performance of a Grid-
Connected Rooftop Hybrid Wind-Photovoltaic Power System with
Battery Storage,” IEEE Transactions on Energy Conversion, Vol. 16,
No. 1, 2001, pp.1-7. doi.10.1109/60.911395
[32] I. Ashraf and A. Chandra, “Techno Economic Viability of a Rooftop
Hybridized Solar PV-AC Grid Assisted Power System for Peak Load
Management,” 2nd International Conference on Power Electronics
Machines and Drives, Vol. 1, 2004, pp. 442-446
[33] Sampa, R. C., 1994.’Renewable Energy Technologies Dissemination in
Zambia’, paper prepared for the first Regional RETs Workshop, 31
May-1 June 1994, Naivasha, Kenya, SEI-AFREPREN/FWD, Nairobi,
pp. 14-15.
[34] Makbul A. et al., (2014) http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2014/626251
(Accessed November 16, 2014)
[35] Mouedj. Relal, (2014) http://ac.elscdn.com/S1876610214008340/1-s2.0-
S1876610214008340main.pdf?_tid=dccb2cb8-765c-11e4-87b7
00000aab0f6b&acdnat=1417110374_80926b1f666a0ee3f42821c867fb9
238 (Accessed November 10 2014)
[36] Kolkata. A. (2010), http://iesaonline.org/presentations/solar_
july%2023_kolkata/Ashok%20Prakash.pf
[37] Karekezi. N (2003) http://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/content/
documents/nepadkarekezi.pdf (Accessed November 17,2014)
[1] T. E. Drennen, J. D. Erickson and D. Chapman, “Solar Power and
Climate Change Policy in developing Countries,” Energy Policy, Vol.
24, No. 1, 1996, pp. 9-16. doi: 10.1016/0301-4215(95)00117-4
[2] G. C. Bakosa and M. Soursosb, “Techno-Economic Assessment of a
Stand-Alone PV/hybrid Installation for Low-Cost Electrification of a
Tourist Resort in Greece,” Applied Energy, Vol. 73, No. 2, 2002,
pp.183-193. doi.10.4236/sgre.2012.32020
[3] J. L. Bernal-Agustin and R. Dufo-Lopez, “Economical and
Environmental Analysis of Grid Connected Photovoltaic Systems in
Spain,” Renewable Energy, Vol. 31, No. 8, 2006, pp.1107-1128.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0306-2619(02)00062-4 (Accessed 5
November, 2014).
[4] Evaluation of Off-Grid Hybrid Photovoltaic-Diesel Battery Power
Systems for Rural Electrification in Saudi Arabia—A Way Forward for
Sustainable Development,” Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews,
Vol. 13, No. 3, 2009, pp.625-633. doi.10.4236/cweee.2013.22005
[5] M. Kolhe, S. Kolhea and J. C. Joshi, “Economic Viability of Stand-
Alone Solar Photovoltaic System in Comparison with Diesel-Powered
System for India,” Energy Economics, Vol. 24, No. 2, 2002, pp. 155-
165. doi.10.4236/sgre.2012.34037
[6] A. Stoppato, “Life Cycle Assessment of Photovoltaic Electricity
Generation,” Energy, Vol. 33, No. 2, 2008, pp.224-232.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.energy.2007.11.012
[7] M. Raugei and P. Frankl, “Life Cycle Impacts and Costs of Photovoltaic
Systems: Current State of the Art and Future Outlooks,” Energy, Vol.
34, No. 3, 2009, pp. 392- 399. doi:10.1016/j.reseneeco.2009.01.001
[8] M. Kolhe, “Techno-Economic Optimum Sizing of a Stand-Alone Solar
Photovoltaic System,” IEEE Transaction on Energy Conversion, Vol.
24, No. 2, 2009, pp. 511-519.doi.10.1109/TEC.2008.2001455
[9] M. EL-Shimy, “Viability Analysis of PV Power Plants in Egypt,”
Renewable Energy, Vol. 34, No. 10, 2009, pp.2187-2196.
doi.10.4236/sgre.2012.34037
[10] S. S. Dihrab and K. Sopin, “Electricity Generation of Hybrid PV/Wind
Systems in Iraq,” Renewable Energy, Vol. 35, No. 6, 2010, pp.1303-
1307. doi.10.4236/ajac.2013.49060
[11] N. E. Mbaka, N. J. Mucho and K. Godpromesse, “Economic Evaluation
of Small-Scale Photovoltaic Hybrid Systems for Mini-Grid Applications
in Far North Cameroon,” Renewable Energy, Vol.35, No. 10, 2010,
pp.2391-2398. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.renene.2010.03.005
(Acceessed November 6, 2014)
[12] S. Bogdan and M. Salameh, “Methodology for Optimally Sizing the
Combination of a Battery Bank and PV Array in a Wind/PV Hybrid
System,” IEEE Transactions on Energy Conversion, Vol. 11, No. 2,
1996, pp. 367-375 doi.10.4236/sgre.2013.44043
[13] W. D. Kellogg, M. H. Nehrir, G. Venkataramananand. V. Gerez,
“Generation Unit Sizing and Cost Analysis for Stand-Alone Wind,
Photovoltaic, and Hybrid-Wind/PV/System,” IEEE Transactions on
Energy Conversion, Vol. 13, No. 1, 1998, pp. 70-76
doi.10.1109/60.658206
[14] A. N. Celik, “Techno-Economic Analysis of Autonomous PV-Wind
Hybrid Energy Systems Using Different Sizing Methods,” Energy Conversion and Management, Vol. 44, No. 12, 2003, pp. 1951-1968.
doi.10.4236/sgre.2012.34037
[15] M. M. Mahmoud and I. H. Ibrik, “Field Experience on Solar Electric
Power Systems and Their Potential in Palestine,” Renewable and
Sustainable Energy Reviews, Vol. 7, No. 6, 2003, pp. 531-543.
doi.10.4236/sgre.2012.34037
[16] G. Bekele and B. Palm, “Feasibility Study for a Stand-alone Solar-
Wind-Based Hybrid Energy System for Application in Ethiopia,”
Applied Energy, Vol. 87, No. 2, 2010, pp. 487-495
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.apenergy.2009.06.006 (Acceessed November
17,2014)
[17] P. Arun, R. Banerjee and S. Bandyopadhyay, “Sizing Curve for Design
of Isolated Power Systems,” Energy for Sustainable Development, Vol.
11, No. 4, 2007, pp. 21-28. doi.10.4236/sgre.2012.34037
[18] P. Arun, R. Banerjee and S. Bandyopadhyay, “Optimum Sizing of
Photovoltaic Battery Systems Incorporating Uncertainty through Design
Space Approach,” Solar Energy, Vol. 83, No. 7, 2009, pp. 1013-1025.
(Accessed November 10, 2014) http://www.scirp.org/journal/
PaperInformation.aspx?PaperID=38040
[19] E. S. Hrayshat “Techno-Economic Analysis of Autonomous/Hybrid
Photovoltaic-Diesel-Battery System,” Energy for Sustainable
Development, Vol. 13, No. 3, 2009, pp. 143-150.
doi.10.4236/sgre.2012.34037
[20] A. Chaurey and T. C. Kandpal, “A Techno-Economic Comparison of
Rural Electrification Based on Solar Home Systems and PV
Microgrids,” Energy Policy, Vol. 38, No. 6, 2010, pp. 3118-3129.
doi:10.1016/j.enpol.2010.01.052
[21] M. Uzunoglu, O. C. Onar and M. S. Alam, “Modelling, Control and
Simulation of a PV/FC/UC Based Hybrid Power Generation System for
Stand-Alone Applications,” Renewable Energy, Vol. 34, No. 3, 2009,
pp. 509-520. doi.10.4236/sgre.2013.41013
[22] A. Mellit, S. A. Kalogirou, L. Hontoria and S. Shaari, “Artificial
Intelligence Techniques for Sizing Photovoltaic Systems: A Review,”
Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Vol. 13, No. 2, 2009,
pp.406-419 http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2008.01.006(Assessed
November 15, 2014)
[23] M. R. Borges Neto, P. C. M. Carvalho, J. O. B. Carioca and J. F.
Canafıstula, “Biogas/Photovoltaic Hybrid Power System for
Decentralized Energy Supply of Rural Areas,” Energy Policy, Vol. 38,
No. 8, 2010, pp. 4497-4506.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.enpol.2010.04.004 (Accessed November 2,
2014)
[24] B. K. Bala and S. A. Siddique, “Optimal Design of a PV-Diesel Hybrid
System for Electrification of an Isolated Island Sandwitch in Bangladesh
Using Genetic Algorithm,” Energy for Sustainable Development, Vol.
13, No. 3, 2009, pp. 137-142.
[25] M. Sidrach-de-Cardona and L. M. Lopez, “Evaluation of a Grid-
Connected Photovoltaic System in Southern Spain,” Renewable Energy,
Vol. 15, No. 1-4, 1998, pp. 527-530. doi:10.1016/S0960-
1481(98)00218-3
[26] A. Schmitt, G. Huard and G. Kwiatkowsk, “PV-Hybrid Microplants and
Mini-Grids for Decentralised Rural Electrification in Developing
Countries,” EDF Research and development, France, 2006
[27] N. Kaushika, N. K. Gautam and K. Kaushik, “Simulation Model for
Sizing of Standalone Solar PV System with Interconnected Array,”
Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells, Vol. 85, No. 4, 2005, pp.499-
519. doi:10.1016/j.solmat.2004.05.024
[28] A. Lietzmann, D. Frohler and K. Lietzmann, “Practical Experiences and
Dimensioning in the Operation of Decentralized Energy Supply Stations,
at RIO 5-World Climate & Energy Event,” Proceedings-of-the-
International Conference, Rio de Janeiro, 2005.
[29] A. H. M. E. Reinders, Pramusito, A. Sudradjat, V. A. P. van Dijk, R.
Mulyadi and W. C. Turkenburg, “Sukatani Revisited: On the
Performance of Nine-Year-Old Solar Home Systems and Street Lighting
Systems in Indonesia,” Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews,
Vol. 3, No. 1, 1999, pp. 1-47. doi.10.4236/sgre.2012.34037
[30] C. Greacen and D. Green, “The Role of Bypass Diodes in the Failure of
Solar Battery Charging Stations in Thailand,” Solar Energy Materials
and Solar Cells, Vol. 70, No. 2, 2001, pp. 141-149.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0927-0248(01)00017-4 (Accessed November
8, 2014)
[31] F. Giraud and Z. M. Salameh, “Steady-State Performance of a Grid-
Connected Rooftop Hybrid Wind-Photovoltaic Power System with
Battery Storage,” IEEE Transactions on Energy Conversion, Vol. 16,
No. 1, 2001, pp.1-7. doi.10.1109/60.911395
[32] I. Ashraf and A. Chandra, “Techno Economic Viability of a Rooftop
Hybridized Solar PV-AC Grid Assisted Power System for Peak Load
Management,” 2nd International Conference on Power Electronics
Machines and Drives, Vol. 1, 2004, pp. 442-446
[33] Sampa, R. C., 1994.’Renewable Energy Technologies Dissemination in
Zambia’, paper prepared for the first Regional RETs Workshop, 31
May-1 June 1994, Naivasha, Kenya, SEI-AFREPREN/FWD, Nairobi,
pp. 14-15.
[34] Makbul A. et al., (2014) http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2014/626251
(Accessed November 16, 2014)
[35] Mouedj. Relal, (2014) http://ac.elscdn.com/S1876610214008340/1-s2.0-
S1876610214008340main.pdf?_tid=dccb2cb8-765c-11e4-87b7
00000aab0f6b&acdnat=1417110374_80926b1f666a0ee3f42821c867fb9
238 (Accessed November 10 2014)
[36] Kolkata. A. (2010), http://iesaonline.org/presentations/solar_
july%2023_kolkata/Ashok%20Prakash.pf
[37] Karekezi. N (2003) http://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/content/
documents/nepadkarekezi.pdf (Accessed November 17,2014)
@article{"International Journal of Electrical, Electronic and Communication Sciences:69465", author = "J. Levodo and A. Ford and I. Chaer", title = "Implementation of Renewable Energy Technologies in Rural Africa", abstract = "Africa enjoys some of the best solar radiation levels in
the world averaging between 4-6 kWh/m2/day for most of the year
and the global economic and political conditions that tend to make
African countries more dependent on their own energy resources
have caused growing interest in renewable energy based
technologies. However to-date, implementation of modern Energy
Technologies in Africa is still very low especially the use of solar
conversion technologies. This paper presents literature review and
analysis relating to the techno-economic feasibility of solar
photovoltaic power generation in Africa. The literature is basically
classified into the following four main categories. Techno-economic
feasibility of solar photovoltaic power generation, design methods,
performance evaluations of various systems and policy of potential
future of technological development of photovoltaic (PV) in Africa
by exploring the impact of alternative policy instruments and
technology cost reductions on the financial viability of investing solar
photovoltaic in Africa.
", keywords = "Africa Solar Potential, Policy, Photovoltaic,
Technologies.", volume = "9", number = "4", pages = "446-8", }
