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Rural Electrification with Solar Energy as a Climate Protection Strategy Other Benefits of Solar Home Systems |
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Although this report focuses principally on the role for SHSs in climate change mitigation, other benefits of SHSs make them an attractive candidate for participation in the CDM (see Part 3). Of course, they also are critical influences on consumer demand as well as host-country and international support for SHS markets. Non-GHG Environmental Benefits In addition to CO2 displacement, decentralized photovoltaic systems offer many environmental advantages relative to the energy sources they commonly replace in rural homes (such as kerosene lamps, dry cell batteries, and car batteries charged from a grid or generator). Replacing kerosene lamps with solar-powered lights mitigates the risks and health problems associated with storing and using kerosene. In surveys conducted by India's Tata Energy Research Institute, people reported eye irritation, coughing, and nasal problems associated with the use of kerosene lamps.40 In addition to emitting pollutants with known respiratory impacts (such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxide, and hydrocarbons), kerosene lamps are a fire hazard. Furthermore, a substantial number of children reportedly die of accidental kerosene poisoning every year.41 Solar electric systems often displace dry cell batteries that are used to power radios, cassette players, and flashlights. Since rural areas generally lack programs for solid waste management, the incineration or disposal of used dry cells in open dumps or as litter can contaminate soil and water sources with toxins, including mercury. Not only are PVs environmentally superior to kerosene and dry cells, they also have advantages over other electricity supply options. PV modules generate electricity without emitting local air pollution or acid rain precursor gases, water pollution, or noise. The modules are typically roof-mounted or require very little ground space, so PV-based rural electrification also avoids the disruptive land use impacts associated with power lines and some methods of electricity generation (such as large-scale hydropower). Since stand-alone PV systems provide electricity without power lines, their use in protected forest areas and buffer zones can be particularly valuable for ecosystem preservation. Power-line corridors can open access for the development of forested areas, change the diversity of species within ecosystems, and cause ecosystem fragmentation. Furthermore, power-line construction and maintenance activities themselves can be quite disruptive. In many developing countries, migration from rural to urban areas is creating tremendous social and ecological problems. People move to the city for jobs and to gain access to electricity and other modern amenities. But urban infrastructure often has not kept pace with population growth. While it is unlikely that electricity alone will stem the tide of rural to urban migration, it is possible that solar electrification in rural areas can help by improving the quality of life there. A negative environmental impact from SHS dissemination can result from the improper disposal of lead-acid batteries. While careful recycling of lead-acid batteries is the best way to prevent this, current recycling practices vary substantially by country. As SHSs become widespread, it will be important to encourage well-managed battery recycling programs. In the near term, however, SHS dissemination may actually result in a net reduction in the rate of battery disposal. Experience from several countries shows that rural households that regularly charge car batteries are among the first to obtain PV systems. When deeply discharged in between charges, car batteries may last only about 12 months. SHS applications give car batteries a more advantageous charge-and-discharge profile that can potentially extend their life by 50% or more. Furthermore, many SHS installations use deep-cycle batteries that can last several times longer than car batteries. Thus although SHS dissemination will likely increase the number of lead-acid batteries in use, it may decrease the rate of battery disposal until market penetration reaches a level beyond the estimated 10% of off-grid homes presently using car batteries as an electricity source. Even then, SHSs may reduce contamination from lead-acid batteries if dissemination methods such as fee-for-service incorporate aggressive recycling. Economic and Social Benefits By many accounts, SHS dissemination and use improves living conditions and can aid in economic development. Vastly superior lighting from electric lamps by comparison with kerosene and candles is often described as the most notable quality-of-life improvement-one that has important educational benefits.42 In addition to lighting, solar electricity provides the entertainment and education benefits of television access. Socio-economic impact studies have found that a significant percentage of small PV systems provide power and light for cottage industries, farm-related activities, and rural stores. In the Dominican Republic, for example, about 30% of systems were found to support business activities, often within homes.43 A study of SHSs in India found that systems extended occupational or business activities into the nighttime in about 40% of the homes surveyed.44 Examples of numerous "productive use" PV applications are documented in Solar Photovoltaics for Development Applications.45 Once a workforce of trained technicians gains employment installing small solar electric systems, the installation of more technically sophisticated PV systems for community and business applications becomes possible, with added confidence in the availability and adequacy of local maintenance. In the Dominican Republic, for example, numerous community and agricultural water pumping systems have been installed by PV technicians who got their start installing basic home systems.46 |
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Rural Electrification with Solar Energy |
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