International market assessment of stand-alone photovoltaic power systems for cottage industry applications. Final report

Technical Report · Sun Nov 01 04:00:00 EST 1981

OSTI ID:6971776

Philippi, T M

The final result of an international assessment of the market for stand-alone photovoltaic systems in cottage industry applications is reported. Nonindustrialized countries without centrally planned economies were considered. Cottage industries were defined as small rural manufacturers, employing less than 50 people, producing consumer and simple products. The data to support this analysis were obtained from secondary and expert sources in the U.S. and in-country field investigations of the Philippines and Mexico. The near-term market for photovoltaics for rural cottage industry applications appears to be limited to demonstration projects and pilot programs, based on an in-depth study of the nature of cottage industry, its role in the rural economy, the electric energy requirements of cottage industry, and a financial analysis of stand-alone photovoltaic systems as compared to their most viable competitor, diesel driven generators. Photovoltaics are shown to be a better long-term option only for very low power requirements. Some of these uses would include clay mixers, grinders, centrifuges, lathes, power saws and lighting of a workshop.

• Research Organization: IIT Research Inst., Chicago, IL (USA)
• OSTI ID: 6971776
• Report Number(s): NASA-CR-165287
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

14 SOLAR ENERGY
140300* -- Solar Energy-- Economic
Industrial
& Business Aspects
140600 -- Solar Energy-- Photovoltaic Power Systems
ASIA
BUSINESS
COMPARATIVE EVALUATIONS
DEMONSTRATION PROGRAMS
DEVELOPING COUNTRIES
ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT
EQUIPMENT
ISLANDS
LATIN AMERICA
MARKETING RESEARCH
MEXICO
NORTH AMERICA
PHILIPPINES
PHOTOVOLTAIC POWER SUPPLIES
POWER SUPPLIES
RURAL AREAS
SMALL BUSINESSES
SOLAR EQUIPMENT