Solar Systems

Solar uptake in Sub-Saharan Africa

In sub-Saharan Africa, hundreds of millions of people (about 45%-50% of the population) live in communities that lack access to electricity. As a key enabler of economic development, the lack of energy access hampers broader efforts to grow local wealth and improve quality of life. Understandably, to address this need, African governments, development partners, and others are working tirelessly to increase energy access on the continent.
Solar photovoltaic (PV) mini-grids are a reality. Several pilot projects have demonstrated over the last half decade that these solutions can be a reliable and competitive alternative to grid extension, and have opened the appetite of policy makers and planners to consider ambitious decentralized electrification programmes. However, any vision for a large-scale replication needs to be informed on the current state of mini-grid costs, both in terms of cost per power supply capacity and cost per customer.

How is Africa moving towards smart energy systems?
It is estimated that 1 billion people (13% of the global population) do not have access to electricity and an even larger proportion of people lack a stable power supply. Those living in off-grid areas use fossil fuels for energy.
The lack of access to a reliable energy source is also a primary barrier for growth for many African businesses and economies. As large-scale, grid-based systems are challenging to run, it opens the door to opportunities for decentralised and smart energy systems. This will impact on local economic development, social welfare, and also reduce carbon emissions.
During the last few years, the global energy sector has begun changing to a decarbonized global energy system. It is moving away from conventional large-scale infrastructure with a heavy reliance on fossil fuel-based generation, and moving towards a focus on clean sustainable energy and integrating digital – or smart – technology, that brings efficient, affordable, and reliable electricity to consumers.

This transition to building the green economy of the future can be summarized by the 3 Ds:

• Decarbonisation – which refers to low-carbon generation, transmission through renewable energy, and energy efficiency;
• Decentralisation – which is the reduction in reliance on large generation plants through the proliferation of smaller connected plants, closer to the point of use; and
• Digitalisation – which refers to the increasing control over energy usage and energy efficiency, through more flexible, intelligent, connected, and responsive energy systems.

Solar PV System A PV system essentially consists of modules (array of solar cells generating the electricity) and cabling, battery, charge controller and DC/AC inverter, as well as other components and support.
Solar PV module is the smallest PV unit that can be used to generate substantial amounts of PV power. Although individual PV cells produce only small amounts of electricity, PV modules are manufactured with varying electrical outputs ranging from a few watts to more than 300 watts of direct current (DC) electricity. The modules can be connected into PV arrays for powering a wide variety of electrical equipment.

The system components of SPV System are:

1. Photovoltaic cell -- Thin squares, discs, or films of semiconductor material that generate voltage and current when exposed to sunlight.
2. Module -- Photovoltaic cells wired together and laminated between a clear superstrate (glazing) and encapsulating substrate.
3. Array -- One or more modules with mounting hardware and wired together at specific voltage.
4. Charge Controller -- Power-conditioning equipment to regulate battery voltage.
5. Battery storage -- A medium that stores direct current (DC) electrical energy.
6. Inverter -- An electrical device that changes direct current to alternating current (AC) to operate loads that require alternating current.
7. DC Loads -- Appliances, motors and equipment powered by direct current.