Assessing Markets for Renewable Energy in Rural Areas of Northwestern China (World Bank Technical Paper)

There is a growing consensus that renewable energy will play an important role in future development programs. Despite this acceptance, few studies have been made on the emerging markets for renewable energy in most countries. This study examines the market potential for photovoltaic systems in the remote areas of China, especially in villages without access to grid electricity. The study estimates the size of the potential market for photovoltaic systems in four Chinese provinces. It provides important information on the characteristics, ability to pay, and preferences of potential customers. The report also details positive and negative experiences with existing photovoltaic systems, and it develops recommendations to increase the penetration of photovoltaic systems in rural China as part of the upcoming China Renewable Energy Development Project. The primary conclusion of this report is that households in remote areas have a need for electricity and that a potential market exists for photvoltaic systems in many of these regions. Annotation This Guide Is A Resource To Help International Finance Corporation (ifc) Clients And Other Companies Establish Effective Community Development Programs. It Defines General Principles And Methods, Disseminates Good Practice, And Refers Readers To Other Resources To Help Them Develop An Appropriate Community Development Program. 1. Background. Electricity In China. Purpose Of The Study -- 2. Background On Areas Targeted By The Survey. Background On Provinces In Study. Current Photovoltaic System Business. Description Of Typical Photovoltaic Systems Used In Rural Areas In China. Brief Description Of The Study Design -- 3. Survey Results: Socioeconomic Characteristics Of Households Without Electricity. Income, Occupation, And Education. Value Of Rural Household Assets. Experience With Banking And Credit. Current Energy Use And Expenditure For Household Lighting. Attitudes And Preference Toward Energy Services. Knowledge Of And Access To Photovoltaic Systems -- 4. Profile Of Households With Photovoltaic Systems. Profile Of Photovoltaic System Owners. The Type Of Photovoltaic System Purchased By Households. System Performance And Quality Of Service -- 5. Potential Market For Photovoltaic Systems In Four Provinces. Ability To Pay Cash For Photovoltaic Systems. Potential Demand For Larger Systems. Tuntivate Voravate, Douglas F. Barnes, V. Susan Bogach. Includes Bibliographical References (p. 115).