Photovoltaics

Solar photovoltaic (PV) production in Africa and Latin America combined comprise less than 3% of the total global photovoltaic energy production in spite of the solar resources located across these regions. However, increased solar PV modularity, reduced costs of both large utility-scale and smaller residential-scale systems, limited operation and maintenance costs, and conversion efficiencies independent of power capacities is expected to contribute to future broader scale PV adoption in both Africa and Latin America. Reported prices of PV systems vary widely and depend on many factors including system size, location, customer type, connection to an electricity grid and technical specifications. In this chapter it is shown that while PV capacity in Africa and Latin America is far below many other global regions, there are some countries experiencing rapid growth, and that other nations are investing in solar supply chain capabilities. The low cost of the simplest solar-powered lamps produce savings on kerosene that makes them a smart investment. Also, solar-powered pumps are cost-effective, reliable, and can save many hours of labour daily in rural off-grid areas, where water hauling is traditionally done by hand by women and children. These pumps are durable and immune to fuel shortages needed for conventional pumping systems, and they may cost less than diesel-powered generators in many African and Latin American areas. In conclusion, PV is growing rapdily in many African and Latin American countries because of its modularity and drop in costs, offering a hopeful future not only to many countries that need affordable electricity to grow, but also for small rural communities that would like to be connected to the global community.