Getting into good habits

摘要

Remote habitation: Installing off-grid solar PV applications in many of the world's remotest regions is not as straightforward a task as the beaming smiles of villagers may make it seem. But understanding the difficulties facing the remote habitation category are as crucial as overcoming them. The remote habitation category of the solar industry includes a diverse range of sub-applications, from solar home systems and village grids (often referred to as micro-grids), to outdoor lighting, water treatment, desalination, water pumping and home ventilation. All regions and all countries have remote markets to serve, although the largest demand tends to come from those countries located in central and southern Africa, Southeast Asia and Latin America. Historically, people have been excited at the potential for strong future growth in this category, basing high expectations on a persistent and growing need. Because the majority of remote habitation applications are primarily installed in developing countries, this need is demonstrable.