The diffusion of photovoltaic technology in traditional communities: the contribution of applied anthropology

The aim of this paper is to analyze the implementation of photovoltaic electrification projects in traditional communities from an anthropological point of view. A detailed description is given of the technological change process in the rural communities engaged in the program developed by the Photovoltaic Systems Laboratory of São Paulo State University (LSF-IEE/USP). A methodological approach for implementation and assessment of photovoltaic electrification projects is proposed. The core issue is the assessment of the corresponding sociocultural impacts. The paper shows that both theoretical and practical guidance from applied anthropology are essential to guarantee successful technological change.