Social acceptance of PicoPV systems as a means of rural electrification — A socio-technical case study in Ethiopia

In order to combat poverty and support the Millennium Development Goals through providing access to modern energy, it is necessary to analyze social acceptance of new forms of energy and conduct a socio-technical approach in order to implement them successfully. Nine different Pico Photovoltaic systems were tested during a field study in a non-electrified village in Ethiopia. 24 families tested each the nine different types of lamps for a week. Qualitative methods were conducted in order to explore user preferences and the impact of technology. The most important perception of users are: Apart from expected benefits in health, work and education, people also notice improvements in the autonomy of children, flexibility, security, family life and the reduction of stress. Some negative aspects were also found in social community and in the unrevised absence of possible additional activities. Users' evaluation and the performance of PicoPV systems in the field test are contrary to previous laboratory results. Ethiopian users value PicoPV systems according to brightness, duration and cone of light. Furthermore, people prefer white, bright light as well as a built-in switch. In the end 30 systems were bought — partly even by non-participants.

► PicoPV Systems are evaluated contrary by laboratory tests and Ethiopian users.
► Users are willing to pay more for products of good quality.
► Impacts of the PicoPV system are positive and negative.
► Bright, white, long-lasting light with a large angle of radiation is appreciated.
► Systems with a built-in switch and the possibility of multi-usage are preferred.