Optimizing the Technical and Social Benefits of Solar Photovoltaic Technologies in Ethiopia.

Despite the abundance of renewable energy resources in the country, the rural and urban
communities in Ethiopia are suffering from shortage of electricity. The grid electricity could not
reach many areas due to inaccessibly related to remoteness. Solar energy, a resource widely
available throughout the country, is also not utilized. Accordingly, this study tries to identify
limits on technical and social benefits of solar photovoltaic technologies in Ethiopia thereby its
use to increase electricity access. Thus we assess factors affecting the dissemination activities,
such as solar PV installation practices, Solar Home and institutional system distribution
strategies, system failures and their causes. To conduct this research, we performed desk
reviews, Key informant interview, focus group discussions and field surveys. In addition, we
analyzed the impact of PV orientation by comparing simulation result made by PVsyst software
at various angles observed during field survey. One Kebles from each four regions, namely
SNNPR, Amhara, Oromia and Tigrai regions were selected, where about 20 households were
surveyed. In doing so, Factors affecting the dissemination activities as well as best orientation
were able to be determined. The study also assess that, how Availability of replacement and
maintenance, lack of Public awareness creation and institutional problems, tariff and shortage
of market can affect the accessibility and large scale distribution of PV system