An Overview of Photovoltaic Power Generation and Solar PV Technology in Rural Areas of Pakistan

Research Paper (postgraduate) from the year 2014 in the subject Energy Sciences, grade: Master, , course: Solar PV, language: English, abstract: In this paper, we examine the solar energy which is the ultimate and free source of energy. Pakistan is situated in the sunny belt that is ideal for the solar energy technologies. This energy is abundantly available in the country as sun shines almost the whole year. The electricity in Pakistan is now facing a serious energy crisis. Despite of strong economic growths during the past decade and consequent rising demand of energy, no valuable steps have been taken to install new capacity for generation of the required energy. In this respect, solar PV is an option for electricity generation. A very large part of the rural population does not have the facility of electricity because they are either too remote or it is found extremely expensive to connect their villages to the national grid station. We can easily utilize the solar PV in some areas of Pakistan; this kind of energy is becoming familiar. Finally, this paper discusses the importance of solar PV technology in rural areas. Geographically, an overview of solar radiation and solar PV option for electricity generation for the country is explored from multiple perspectives comprising technical, economic, social, environmental and political aspects.