PicoPV for Mobile Charging - Revision history

Johanna at 07:26, 3 September 2019

2019-09-03T07:26:15Z

Ranisha at 10:17, 8 September 2017

2017-09-08T10:17:57Z

Ranisha at 09:27, 8 September 2017

2017-09-08T09:27:32Z

Ranisha: /* Further Links */

2017-09-08T09:17:57Z

Further Links

Ranisha: /* PicoPV kit with Mobile Charging Features */

2017-08-16T14:00:49Z

PicoPV kit with Mobile Charging Features

Ranisha at 14:00, 16 August 2017

2017-08-16T14:00:08Z

Ranisha at 13:58, 16 August 2017

2017-08-16T13:58:29Z

Ranisha at 13:42, 16 August 2017

2017-08-16T13:42:16Z

Show changes

Ranisha: /* Potential Collaboration between PicoPV Suppliers and Mobile Phone Networks */

2017-08-16T13:22:06Z

Potential Collaboration between PicoPV Suppliers and Mobile Phone Networks

Ranisha: /* Challenges for Using PicoPV kit for Mobile Charging */

2017-08-16T13:18:42Z

Challenges for Using PicoPV kit for Mobile Charging

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 = Introduction<br/> =
-[[Features_of_PicoPV_Systems|PicoPV systems]]&nbsp;are small systems with a power output of 1-10W and are mainly used for lighting purposes. However, some picoPV products also run small appliances such as mobile phone charging or running. The mobile charger is either connected to the main product (lamp) via a cable for charging from the battery or directly to the solar module. PicoPV systems provide an alternative pre-electrification option for the rural off-grid population and are cheaper, affordable and easily deployable as compared to the [[Solar Home Systems (SHS)|Solar Home Systems (SHS)]].<ref name="Michael Grimm, Peters Jörg, and Maximiliane Sievert, “Impacts of Pico-PV Systems Usage Using a Randomized Controlled Trial and Qualitative Methods,” n.d., 2, https://english.iob-evaluatie.nl/binaries/iob-evaluatie-eng/documents/publications/2014/08/01/396---impacts-of-pico-pv-systems-usage/396-impacts-of-pico-pv-systems-usage.pdf.">Michael Grimm, Peters Jörg, and Maximiliane Sievert, “Impacts of Pico-PV Systems Usage Using a Randomized Controlled Trial and Qualitative Methods,” n.d., 2, https://english.iob-evaluatie.nl/binaries/iob-evaluatie-eng/documents/publications/2014/08/01/396---impacts-of-pico-pv-systems-usage/396-impacts-of-pico-pv-systems-usage.pdf.</ref><br/>
+[[Features of PicoPV Systems|PicoPV systems]]&nbsp;are small systems with a power output of 1-10W and are mainly used for lighting purposes. However, some picoPV products also run small appliances such as mobile phone charging or running. The mobile charger is either connected to the main product (lamp) via a cable for charging from the battery or directly to the solar module. PicoPV systems provide an alternative pre-electrification option for the rural off-grid population and are cheaper, affordable and easily deployable as compared to the [[Solar Home Systems (SHS)|Solar Home Systems (SHS)]].<ref name="Michael Grimm, Peters Jörg, and Maximiliane Sievert, “Impacts of Pico-PV Systems Usage Using a Randomized Controlled Trial and Qualitative Methods,” n.d., 2, https://english.iob-evaluatie.nl/binaries/iob-evaluatie-eng/documents/publications/2014/08/01/396---impacts-of-pico-pv-systems-usage/396-impacts-of-pico-pv-systems-usage.pdf.">Michael Grimm, Peters Jörg, and Maximiliane Sievert, “Impacts of Pico-PV Systems Usage Using a Randomized Controlled Trial and Qualitative Methods,” n.d., 2, https://english.iob-evaluatie.nl/binaries/iob-evaluatie-eng/documents/publications/2014/08/01/396---impacts-of-pico-pv-systems-usage/396-impacts-of-pico-pv-systems-usage.pdf.</ref><br/>
 Although lighting is the key demand of the rural consumers, there are studies that suggest that the rural consumers also demand additional services such as mobile phone charging, which provides additional source of income.<ref name="Grimm, Jörg, and Sievert, “Impacts of Pico-PV Systems Usage Using a Randomized Controlled Trial and Qualitative Methods,” 2.">Grimm, Jörg, and Sievert, “Impacts of Pico-PV Systems Usage Using a Randomized Controlled Trial and Qualitative Methods,” 2.</ref><ref name="Michael Grimm et al., “A First Step Up the Energy Ladder? Low Cost Solar Kits and Household’s Welfare in Rural Rwanda,” 2, accessed July 31, 2017, http://www.sun-connect-news.org/fileadmin/DATEIEN/Dateien/New/Low_cost_solar_kits_in_Rwanda.pdf.">Michael Grimm et al., “A First Step Up the Energy Ladder? Low Cost Solar Kits and Household’s Welfare in Rural Rwanda,” 2, accessed July 31, 2017, http://www.sun-connect-news.org/fileadmin/DATEIEN/Dateien/New/Low_cost_solar_kits_in_Rwanda.pdf.</ref><ref name="GIZ, “What Difference Can a PicoPV System Make? Early Findings on Small Photovoltaic Systems - an Emerging Lowcost Energy Technology for Developing Countries,” 9, accessed July 31, 2017, https://energypedia.info/images/3/3b/Gtz_picopv_booklet.pdf."> GIZ, “What Difference Can a PicoPV System Make? Early Findings on Small Photovoltaic Systems - an Emerging Lowcost Energy Technology for Developing Countries,” 9, accessed July 31, 2017, https://energypedia.info/images/3/3b/Gtz_picopv_booklet.pdf.</ref><ref name="Erik H. Lysen, “Pico Solar PV Systems for Remote Homes: A New Generation of Small PV Systems for Lighting and Communication,” 14, accessed August 1, 2017, http://www.iea-pvps.org/fileadmin/dam/public/report/technical/rep9_12_PVPS_Pico_Solar_PV_Systems_apr13.pdf.">Erik H. Lysen, “Pico Solar PV Systems for Remote Homes: A New Generation of Small PV Systems for Lighting and Communication,” 14, accessed August 1, 2017, http://www.iea-pvps.org/fileadmin/dam/public/report/technical/rep9_12_PVPS_Pico_Solar_PV_Systems_apr13.pdf.</ref> Therefore, this article provides an overview of the mobile phone charging aspect of the picoPV kits, including their challenges.<br/>
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 As shown in Figure 1, a 10 W picoPV kit can be used every day for more than 10 hours for lightning along with charging a mobile phone every day for half the required capacity. <ref name="Lysen, “Pico Solar PV Systems for Remote Homes: A New Generation of Small PV Systems for Lighting and Communication,” 15.">Lysen, “Pico Solar PV Systems for Remote Homes: A New Generation of Small PV Systems for Lighting and Communication,” 15.</ref>However, it should be noted that while selling picoPV kits for mobile charging, the suppliers should calibrate the PicoPV so that it is compatible with the dominant mobile phones or else, there will be no uptake of the kit. For example, a randomized survey in Rwanda found that only 10% of the surveyed households used PicoPV kit for mobile charging and one of the reasons for this behavior could be the incompatibility of the mobile charger. Around 55% of the surveyed households said that the kit was either not compatible with the mobile chargers or even if the charger physically entered the phone, the charging would not start. Such situation could deter the users from using PicoPV .<ref name="Grimm, Jörg, and Sievert, “Impacts of Pico-PV Systems Usage Using a Randomized Controlled Trial and Qualitative Methods,” 19.">Grimm, Jörg, and Sievert, “Impacts of Pico-PV Systems Usage Using a Randomized Controlled Trial and Qualitative Methods,” 19.</ref>
 = Potential Collaboration between PicoPV Suppliers and Mobile Phone Network Providers =
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 Therefore, there is an opportunity for both mobile network providers and picoPV suppliers to collaborate with one another to promote both the use of mobile phones as well as the PicoPV products.
-*For example, SNV has collaborated with MTN (a local telephone company in Benin) to promote picoPV kit for mobile charging in rural Benin. As part of the cooperation, MTN provided a solar-powered mobile carts for its agents, who then used them to provide mobile charging services. The aim of this cooperation was double fold: to provide mobile charging to rural population as well as to increase the sale of PicoPV by practical demonstration of PicoPV usage.<ref name="Energypedia: https://energypedia.info/wiki/Solar_Power_in_Benin ">Energypedia: https://energypedia.info/wiki/Solar_Power_in_Benin https://beamexchange.org/uploads/filer_public/c4/16/c41650f0-c174-4c0e-aa54-e89859dead20/energy_trilemma.pdf</ref>
+*For example, SNV has collaborated with MTN (a local telephone company in Benin) to promote picoPV kit for mobile charging in rural Benin. As part of the cooperation, MTN provided a solar-powered mobile carts for its agents, who then used them to provide mobile charging services. The aim of this cooperation was double fold: to provide mobile charging to rural population as well as to increase the sale of PicoPV by practical demonstration of PicoPV usage.<ref name="Energypedia: https://energypedia.info/wiki/Solar_Power_in_Benin">Energypedia: https://energypedia.info/wiki/Solar_Power_in_Benin https://beamexchange.org/uploads/filer_public/c4/16/c41650f0-c174-4c0e-aa54-e89859dead20/energy_trilemma.pdf</ref>
 *Likewise, in Kenya, Toughstuff collaborated with mobile service providers such as Orange, as a distribution partner for their mobile charging devices.<ref name="“ToughStuff East Africa: Affordable Quality Solar Alternatives for Low Income Consumers in Kenya,” 10.">“ToughStuff East Africa: Affordable Quality Solar Alternatives for Low Income Consumers in Kenya,” 10.</ref>
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 *[[Productive End Use of PicoPV|Productive End Use of PicoPV]]
 = References =
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 [[Category:Solar]]

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 Therefore, there is an opportunity for both mobile network providers and picoPV suppliers to collaborate with one another to promote both the use of mobile phones as well as the PicoPV products.
-*For example, SNV has collaborated with MTN (a local telephone company in Benin) to promote picoPV kit for mobile charging in rural Benin. As part of the cooperation, MTN provided a solar-powered mobile carts for its agents, who then used them to provide mobile charging services. The aim of this cooperation was double fold: to provide mobile charging to rural population as well as to increase the sale of PicoPV by practical demonstration of PicoPV usage.<ref name="Energypedia: https://energypedia.info/wiki/Solar_Power_in_Benin https://beamexchange.org/uploads/filer_public/c4/16/c41650f0-c174-4c0e-aa54-e89859dead20/energy_trilemma.pdf">Energypedia: https://energypedia.info/wiki/Solar_Power_in_BeninfckLRhttps://beamexchange.org/uploads/filer_public/c4/16/c41650f0-c174-4c0e-aa54-e89859dead20/energy_trilemma.pdffckLR</ref>
+*For example, SNV has collaborated with MTN (a local telephone company in Benin) to promote picoPV kit for mobile charging in rural Benin. As part of the cooperation, MTN provided a solar-powered mobile carts for its agents, who then used them to provide mobile charging services. The aim of this cooperation was double fold: to provide mobile charging to rural population as well as to increase the sale of PicoPV by practical demonstration of PicoPV usage.<ref name="Energypedia: https://energypedia.info/wiki/Solar_Power_in_Benin ">Energypedia: https://energypedia.info/wiki/Solar_Power_in_Benin https://beamexchange.org/uploads/filer_public/c4/16/c41650f0-c174-4c0e-aa54-e89859dead20/energy_trilemma.pdf</ref>
 *Likewise, in Kenya, Toughstuff collaborated with mobile service providers such as Orange, as a distribution partner for their mobile charging devices.<ref name="“ToughStuff East Africa: Affordable Quality Solar Alternatives for Low Income Consumers in Kenya,” 10.">“ToughStuff East Africa: Affordable Quality Solar Alternatives for Low Income Consumers in Kenya,” 10.</ref>
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 [[Category:Solar]]

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 *[[:Category:PicoPV|All picoPV articles on energypedia]]<br/>
 *[[Portal:Solar|Solar portal on energypedia]]<br/>
 = References =

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 = PicoPV kit with Mobile Charging Features =
-[[File:PicoPV Kit.png|thumb|right|200px|Figure 1: Minimum energy demand for lighting, phone and radio]]On average, it takes 1.5 to 2 hours to fully charge a simple mobile phone of 2W capacity. This calculation assumes that the phone has lithium batteries of 2.6 - 3.7 Wh capacity and 3.7 V, along with a charging efficiency of 90%. It should be noted that charging a smart phone will require roughly double the time.<ref name="Lysen, “Pico Solar PV Systems for Remote Homes: A New Generation of Small PV Systems for Lighting and Communication,” 15.">Lysen, “Pico Solar PV Systems for Remote Homes: A New Generation of Small PV Systems for Lighting and Communication,” 15.</ref>
+[[File:PicoPV Kit.png|thumb|right|350px|Figure 1: Minimum energy demand for lighting, phone and radio]]On average, it takes 1.5 to 2 hours to fully charge a simple mobile phone of 2W capacity. This calculation assumes that the phone has lithium batteries of 2.6 - 3.7 Wh capacity and 3.7 V, along with a charging efficiency of 90%. It should be noted that charging a smart phone will require roughly double the time.<ref name="Lysen, “Pico Solar PV Systems for Remote Homes: A New Generation of Small PV Systems for Lighting and Communication,” 15.">Lysen, “Pico Solar PV Systems for Remote Homes: A New Generation of Small PV Systems for Lighting and Communication,” 15.</ref>
 As shown in Figure 1, a 10 W picoPV kit can be used every day for more than 10 hours for lightning along with charging a mobile phone every day for half the required capacity. <ref name="Lysen, “Pico Solar PV Systems for Remote Homes: A New Generation of Small PV Systems for Lighting and Communication,” 15.">Lysen, “Pico Solar PV Systems for Remote Homes: A New Generation of Small PV Systems for Lighting and Communication,” 15.</ref>However, it should be noted that while selling picoPV kits for mobile charging, the suppliers should calibrate the PicoPV so that it is compatible with the dominant mobile phones or else, there will be no uptake of the kit. For example, a randomized survey in Rwanda found that only 10% of the surveyed households used PicoPV kit for mobile charging and one of the reasons for this behavior could be the incompatibility of the mobile charger. Around 55% of the surveyed households said that the kit was either not compatible with the mobile chargers or even if the charger physically entered the phone, the charging would not start. Such situation could deter the users from using PicoPV .<ref name="Grimm, Jörg, and Sievert, “Impacts of Pico-PV Systems Usage Using a Randomized Controlled Trial and Qualitative Methods,” 19.">Grimm, Jörg, and Sievert, “Impacts of Pico-PV Systems Usage Using a Randomized Controlled Trial and Qualitative Methods,” 19.</ref>
 = Potential Collaboration between PicoPV Suppliers and Mobile Phone Network Providers =

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 = Introduction<br/> =
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 = Need for Cheap and Affordable Mobile Charging for Rural Customers<br/> =
-Mobile charging is pretty expensive for the off-grid population in rural areas. For example, non-picoPV users in [[Kenya Energy Situation|Kenya]], [[Malawi Energy Situation|Malawi]], [[Tanzania Energy Situation|Tanzania]], [[Uganda Energy Situation|Uganda]] and [[Zambia Energy Situation|Zambia]] pay up to USD 0.66 per week and have to walk almost 28 minutes one way to reach the next charging stations. Mobile users in Cameroon pay about USD 1.93 per month while in Tanzania, mobile charging cost up to 50% of a person’s expenditure on their phone and they also have to travel on average 7-15 km to charge their phone.<ref name="Kat Harrison, Andrew Scott, and Ryan Hogarth, “Accelerating Access to Electricity in Africa with off-Grid Solar - The Impact of Solar Household Solutions,” 18, accessed July 31, 2017, https://www.odi.org/sites/odi.org.uk/files/odi-assets/publications-opinion-files/10229.pdf.">Kat Harrison, Andrew Scott, and Ryan Hogarth, “Accelerating Access to Electricity in Africa with off-Grid Solar - The Impact of Solar Household Solutions,” 18, accessed July 31, 2017, https://www.odi.org/sites/odi.org.uk/files/odi-assets/publications-opinion-files/10229.pdf.</ref> Similarly, users in Rwanda pay approximately USD 0.12-0.24 (100-200 FRW) per charge for charging their phone and have to walk one hour or more to charge their phone.<ref name="Grimm, Jörg, and Sievert, “Impacts of Pico-PV Systems Usage Using a Randomized Controlled Trial and Qualitative Methods,” 19.">Grimm, Jörg, and Sievert, “Impacts of Pico-PV Systems Usage Using a Randomized Controlled Trial and Qualitative Methods,” 19.</ref> Finally, in Kenya mobile phone charging cost about KES 60 (USD 0.7) per week.<ref name="“ToughStuff East Africa: Affordable Quality Solar Alternatives for Low Income Consumers in Kenya,” 15, accessed August 1, 2017, http://www.undp.org/content/dam/undp/library/corporate/Partnerships/Private%20Sector/AFIMcases/UNDP%20GIM%20Case%20Study%20Toughstuff%20Final.pdf.">“ToughStuff East Africa: Affordable Quality Solar Alternatives for Low Income Consumers in Kenya,” 15, accessed August 1, 2017, http://www.undp.org/content/dam/undp/library/corporate/Partnerships/Private%20Sector/AFIMcases/UNDP%20GIM%20Case%20Study%20Toughstuff%20Final.pdf.</ref><br/>
+Mobile charging is pretty expensive for the off-grid population in rural areas. For example, non-picoPV users in [[Kenya Energy Situation|Kenya]], [[Malawi Energy Situation|Malawi]], [[Tanzania Energy Situation|Tanzania]], [[Uganda Energy Situation|Uganda]] and [[Zambia Energy Situation|Zambia]] pay up to USD 0.66 per week and have to walk almost 28 minutes one way to reach the next charging stations. Mobile users in Cameroon pay about USD 1.93 per month while in Tanzania, mobile charging cost up to 50% of a person’s expenditure on their phone and they also have to travel on average 7-15 km to charge their phone.<ref name="Kat Harrison, Andrew Scott, and Ryan Hogarth, “Accelerating Access to Electricity in Africa with off-Grid Solar - The Impact of Solar Household Solutions,” 18, accessed July 31, 2017, https://www.odi.org/sites/odi.org.uk/files/odi-assets/publications-opinion-files/10229.pdf.">Kat Harrison, Andrew Scott, and Ryan Hogarth, “Accelerating Access to Electricity in Africa with off-Grid Solar - The Impact of Solar Household Solutions,” 18, accessed July 31, 2017, https://www.odi.org/sites/odi.org.uk/files/odi-assets/publications-opinion-files/10229.pdf.</ref> Similarly, users in Rwanda pay approximately USD 0.12-0.24 (100-200 FRW) per charge for charging their phone and have to walk one hour or more to charge their phone.<ref name="Grimm, Jörg, and Sievert, “Impacts of Pico-PV Systems Usage Using a Randomized Controlled Trial and Qualitative Methods,” 19.">Grimm, Jörg, and Sievert, “Impacts of Pico-PV Systems Usage Using a Randomized Controlled Trial and Qualitative Methods,” 19.</ref> Finally, in Kenya mobile phone charging cost about KES 60 (USD 0.7) per week.<ref name="“ToughStuff East Africa: Affordable Quality Solar Alternatives for Low Income Consumers in Kenya,” 15, accessed August 1, 2017, http://bit.ly/2weIJLi">“ToughStuff East Africa: Affordable Quality Solar Alternatives for Low Income Consumers in Kenya,” 15, accessed August 1, 2017, http://bit.ly/2weIJLi</ref><br/>
 Therefore charging a mobile phone is highly costly and time intensive for the rural consumers. PicoPV kit helps to solve this problem by providing an affordable and easily accessible mobile charging services. It also helps to reduce the time required to travel to charging stations. Along with charging their own mobile phones, the customers can also generate additional income by charging their neighbors’ mobile phones.<br/>
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 As shown in Figure 1, a 10 W picoPV kit can be used every day for more than 10 hours for lightning along with charging a mobile phone every day for half the required capacity. <ref name="Lysen, “Pico Solar PV Systems for Remote Homes: A New Generation of Small PV Systems for Lighting and Communication,” 15.">Lysen, “Pico Solar PV Systems for Remote Homes: A New Generation of Small PV Systems for Lighting and Communication,” 15.</ref>However, it should be noted that while selling picoPV kits for mobile charging, the suppliers should calibrate the PicoPV so that it is compatible with the dominant mobile phones or else, there will be no uptake of the kit. For example, a randomized survey in Rwanda found that only 10% of the surveyed households used PicoPV kit for mobile charging and one of the reasons for this behavior could be the incompatibility of the mobile charger. Around 55% of the surveyed households said that the kit was either not compatible with the mobile chargers or even if the charger physically entered the phone, the charging would not start. Such situation could deter the users from using PicoPV .<ref name="Grimm, Jörg, and Sievert, “Impacts of Pico-PV Systems Usage Using a Randomized Controlled Trial and Qualitative Methods,” 19.">Grimm, Jörg, and Sievert, “Impacts of Pico-PV Systems Usage Using a Randomized Controlled Trial and Qualitative Methods,” 19.</ref>
-= Potential Collaboration between PicoPV Suppliers and Mobile Phone Networks =
+= Potential Collaboration between PicoPV Suppliers and Mobile Phone Network Providers =
 With the innovation of digital payments such as PAYG, the mobile phones are now also a source of digital/online banking. Customers who previously did not have credits or bank accounts can now use their phones to transfer money. However, mobile phones require electricity for regular charging and as described above, charging mobile phones could take a lot of time and money, depending on the country. As more mobile networks are offering mobile money services, it is in their best interest to boost the use of mobile phones in rural areas for both communication as well as online banking. In 2015, 69% of the moible money services launched were operated by mobile network providers.<ref name="State of the Industry Report: Mobile Money (pg19): https://www.gsma.com/mobilefordevelopment/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/SOTIR_2015.pdf">State of the Industry Report: Mobile Money (pg19): https://www.gsma.com/mobilefordevelopment/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/SOTIR_2015.pdf</ref> <ref name="Lysen, “Pico Solar PV Systems for Remote Homes: A New Generation of Small PV Systems for Lighting and Communication,” 26.">Lysen, “Pico Solar PV Systems for Remote Homes: A New Generation of Small PV Systems for Lighting and Communication,” 26.</ref>
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 <references />
 [[Category:PicoPV]]

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 = Introduction<br/> =
-[[PicoPV Systems|PicoPV systems]] are small systems with a power output of 1-10W and are mainly used for lighting purposes. However, some picoPV products also run small appliances such as mobile phone charging or running. The mobile charger is either connected to the main product (lamp) via a cable for charging from the battery or directly to the solar module. PicoPV systems provide an alternative pre-electrification option for the rural off-grid population and are cheaper, affordable and easily deployable as compared to the [[Solar Home Systems (SHS)|Solar Home Systems (SHS)]].<ref name="Michael Grimm, Peters Jörg, and Maximiliane Sievert, “Impacts of Pico-PV Systems Usage Using a Randomized Controlled Trial and Qualitative Methods,” n.d., 2, https://english.iob-evaluatie.nl/binaries/iob-evaluatie-eng/documents/publications/2014/08/01/396---impacts-of-pico-pv-systems-usage/396-impacts-of-pico-pv-systems-usage.pdf.">Michael Grimm, Peters Jörg, and Maximiliane Sievert, “Impacts of Pico-PV Systems Usage Using a Randomized Controlled Trial and Qualitative Methods,” n.d., 2, https://english.iob-evaluatie.nl/binaries/iob-evaluatie-eng/documents/publications/2014/08/01/396---impacts-of-pico-pv-systems-usage/396-impacts-of-pico-pv-systems-usage.pdf.</ref><br/>
+[[Features_of_PicoPV_Systems|PicoPV systems]]&nbsp;are small systems with a power output of 1-10W and are mainly used for lighting purposes. However, some picoPV products also run small appliances such as mobile phone charging or running. The mobile charger is either connected to the main product (lamp) via a cable for charging from the battery or directly to the solar module. PicoPV systems provide an alternative pre-electrification option for the rural off-grid population and are cheaper, affordable and easily deployable as compared to the [[Solar Home Systems (SHS)|Solar Home Systems (SHS)]].<ref name="Michael Grimm, Peters Jörg, and Maximiliane Sievert, “Impacts of Pico-PV Systems Usage Using a Randomized Controlled Trial and Qualitative Methods,” n.d., 2, https://english.iob-evaluatie.nl/binaries/iob-evaluatie-eng/documents/publications/2014/08/01/396---impacts-of-pico-pv-systems-usage/396-impacts-of-pico-pv-systems-usage.pdf.">Michael Grimm, Peters Jörg, and Maximiliane Sievert, “Impacts of Pico-PV Systems Usage Using a Randomized Controlled Trial and Qualitative Methods,” n.d., 2, https://english.iob-evaluatie.nl/binaries/iob-evaluatie-eng/documents/publications/2014/08/01/396---impacts-of-pico-pv-systems-usage/396-impacts-of-pico-pv-systems-usage.pdf.</ref><br/>
 Although lighting is the key demand of the rural consumers, there are studies that suggest that the rural consumers also demand additional services such as mobile phone charging, which provides additional source of income.<ref name="Grimm, Jörg, and Sievert, “Impacts of Pico-PV Systems Usage Using a Randomized Controlled Trial and Qualitative Methods,” 2.">Grimm, Jörg, and Sievert, “Impacts of Pico-PV Systems Usage Using a Randomized Controlled Trial and Qualitative Methods,” 2.</ref><ref name="Michael Grimm et al., “A First Step Up the Energy Ladder? Low Cost Solar Kits and Household’s Welfare in Rural Rwanda,” 2, accessed July 31, 2017, http://www.sun-connect-news.org/fileadmin/DATEIEN/Dateien/New/Low_cost_solar_kits_in_Rwanda.pdf.">Michael Grimm et al., “A First Step Up the Energy Ladder? Low Cost Solar Kits and Household’s Welfare in Rural Rwanda,” 2, accessed July 31, 2017, http://www.sun-connect-news.org/fileadmin/DATEIEN/Dateien/New/Low_cost_solar_kits_in_Rwanda.pdf.</ref><ref name="GIZ, “What Difference Can a PicoPV System Make? Early Findings on Small Photovoltaic Systems - an Emerging Lowcost Energy Technology for Developing Countries,” 9, accessed July 31, 2017, https://energypedia.info/images/3/3b/Gtz_picopv_booklet.pdf."> GIZ, “What Difference Can a PicoPV System Make? Early Findings on Small Photovoltaic Systems - an Emerging Lowcost Energy Technology for Developing Countries,” 9, accessed July 31, 2017, https://energypedia.info/images/3/3b/Gtz_picopv_booklet.pdf.</ref><ref name="Erik H. Lysen, “Pico Solar PV Systems for Remote Homes: A New Generation of Small PV Systems for Lighting and Communication,” 14, accessed August 1, 2017, http://www.iea-pvps.org/fileadmin/dam/public/report/technical/rep9_12_PVPS_Pico_Solar_PV_Systems_apr13.pdf.">Erik H. Lysen, “Pico Solar PV Systems for Remote Homes: A New Generation of Small PV Systems for Lighting and Communication,” 14, accessed August 1, 2017, http://www.iea-pvps.org/fileadmin/dam/public/report/technical/rep9_12_PVPS_Pico_Solar_PV_Systems_apr13.pdf.</ref> Therefore, this article provides an overview of the mobile phone charging aspect of the picoPV kits, including their challenges.<br/>
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 *There are different types of mobile phones and therefor the mobile charging unit has to be compatible with the dominant mobile phones in the targeted region.
 *The solar panels have to be manually put in the sun and these panels could be easily stolen.
-*Most of the picoPV kits are made from plastic and the batteries have toxic metals. The question of electrical waste and how to recycle the products should be taken into account. Read: [[Recycling_of_PicoPV_Systems|Recycling of PicoPV Systems]]
+*Most of the picoPV kits are made from plastic and the batteries have toxic metals. The question of electrical waste and how to recycle the products should be taken into account. Read: [[Recycling of PicoPV Systems|Recycling of PicoPV Systems]]
 *The [http://www.energy4humandevelopment.com/2012/02/pico-pv-real-solution-for-rural.html PV market is flooded with cheap bad quality generic products]. This has lowered the customers trust on the products. Therefore, there is a need to regulate the market and introduce new lab and field tests to ensure the quality of the products and provide a benchmark for the products.
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 With the widespread penetration of mobile phones, mobile phone charging will become a priority for many rural consumers. Therefore, PicoPV kits with mobile charging can tap into this market and provide affordable and cheap solutions to the rural consumers. However, the kit needs to be calibrated to function properly with the different mobile phones. Since, lighting is the biggest demand of the rural consumers, there might not be enough charge left for charging the mobile phones and it is necessary to advise the users to charge their phones during the day or to devise picoPV with greater capacity. Also, there is a possiblity for mobile network providers and picoPV suppliers to collaborate together to promote the use of mobile phones via PicoPV kits with mobile charging units.
 = References =
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 <references />
 [[Category:Solar]]

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 = Potential Collaboration between PicoPV Suppliers and Mobile Phone Networks =
-With the innovation of digital payments such as PAYG, the mobile phones are now also a source of digital/online banking. Customers who previously did not have credits or bank accounts can now use their phones to transfer money. However, mobile phones require electricity for regular charging and as described above, charging mobile phones could take a lot of time and money, depending on the country. As more mobile networks are investing into mobile markets and wants to boost the use of the use of mobile phones. <ref name="Lysen, “Pico Solar PV Systems for Remote Homes:  A New Generation of Small PV Systems for Lighting and Communication,” 26.">Lysen, “Pico Solar PV Systems for Remote Homes:  A New Generation of Small PV Systems for Lighting and Communication,” 26.</ref>
+With the innovation of digital payments such as PAYG, the mobile phones are now also a source of digital/online banking. Customers who previously did not have credits or bank accounts can now use their phones to transfer money. However, mobile phones require electricity for regular charging and as described above, charging mobile phones could take a lot of time and money, depending on the country. As more mobile networks are offering mobile money services, it is in their best interest to  boost the use of the use of mobile phones in rural areas. <ref name="Lysen, “Pico Solar PV Systems for Remote Homes:  A New Generation of Small PV Systems for Lighting and Communication,” 26.">Lysen, “Pico Solar PV Systems for Remote Homes:  A New Generation of Small PV Systems for Lighting and Communication,” 26.</ref>
-Therefore, it is in the interest of both mobile network providers and picoPV suppliers to collaborate with one another to promote both the use of mobile phones as well as the PicoPV products
+Therefore, there is an opportunity for both mobile network providers and picoPV suppliers to collaborate with one another to promote both the use of mobile phones as well as the PicoPV products.
 *For example, SNV has collaborated with MTN (a local telephone company in Benin) to promote PicoPV kit for mobile charging in rural Benin. As part of the cooperation, MTN provided a solar-powered mobile carts for its agents, who then used them to provide mobile charging services. The aim of this cooperation was double fold: to provide mobile charging to rural population as well as to increase the sale of PicoPV by practical demonstration of PicoPV usage.<ref name="Energypedia: https://energypedia.info/wiki/Solar_Power_in_Benin https://beamexchange.org/uploads/filer_public/c4/16/c41650f0-c174-4c0e-aa54-e89859dead20/energy_trilemma.pdf">Energypedia: https://energypedia.info/wiki/Solar_Power_in_Benin

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 Hence, such a collaboration is beneficial to both parties: the picoPV suppliers can tap into the existing distribution market of the mobile network companies while the mobile network companies could provide better and cheaper charging services to its customers.
 = Challenges for Using PicoPV kit for Mobile Charging =
-Although the picoPV kit is an affordable solution for addressing the energy needs of the rural population, it still has the following drawbacks<ref name="Lysen, “Pico Solar PV Systems for Remote Homes:  A New Generation of Small PV Systems for Lighting and Communication,” 29.">Lysen, “Pico Solar PV Systems for Remote Homes:  A New Generation of Small PV Systems for Lighting and Communication,” 29.</ref><ref name=" Lighting Asia, “Overcoming Key Policy Barriers to the Development of Pico PV Market in Bangladesh,” 32, accessed August 1, 2017, http://www.lightingbangladesh.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/TAX-REPORT-FRESH.pdf."> Lighting Asia, “Overcoming Key Policy Barriers to the Development of Pico PV Market in Bangladesh,” 32, accessed August 1, 2017, http://www.lightingbangladesh.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/TAX-REPORT-FRESH.pdf.</ref><ref name="esimonet, “Pico PV: A Real Solution for Rural Electrification?,” accessed August 1, 2017, http://www.energy4humandevelopment.com/2012/02/pico-pv-real-solution-for-rural.html.">esimonet, “Pico PV: A Real Solution for Rural Electrification?,” accessed August 1, 2017, http://www.energy4humandevelopment.com/2012/02/pico-pv-real-solution-for-rural.html.</ref>:
+Although the picoPV kit is an affordable solution for addressing the energy needs of the rural population, it still has the following drawbacks<ref name="Lysen, “Pico Solar PV Systems for Remote Homes: A New Generation of Small PV Systems for Lighting and Communication,” 29.">Lysen, “Pico Solar PV Systems for Remote Homes: A New Generation of Small PV Systems for Lighting and Communication,” 29.</ref><ref name="Lighting Asia, “Overcoming Key Policy Barriers to the Development of Pico PV Market in Bangladesh,” 32, accessed August 1, 2017, http://www.lightingbangladesh.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/TAX-REPORT-FRESH.pdf."> Lighting Asia, “Overcoming Key Policy Barriers to the Development of Pico PV Market in Bangladesh,” 32, accessed August 1, 2017, http://www.lightingbangladesh.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/TAX-REPORT-FRESH.pdf.</ref><ref name="esimonet, “Pico PV: A Real Solution for Rural Electrification?,” accessed August 1, 2017, http://www.energy4humandevelopment.com/2012/02/pico-pv-real-solution-for-rural.html.">esimonet, “Pico PV: A Real Solution for Rural Electrification?,” accessed August 1, 2017, http://www.energy4humandevelopment.com/2012/02/pico-pv-real-solution-for-rural.html.</ref>:
 *Since PicoPV kits are dependent on solar energy, on days with minimum or no sunlight, there is no opportunity to charge the mobile phones.
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 *The solar panels have to be manually put in the sun and these panels could be easily stolen.
 *Most of the picoPV kits are made from plastic and the battery have toxic metals. The question of electrical waste and how to recycle the products should be taken into account. Read: Recycling of PicoPV Systems
-*The PV market is flooded with cheap bad quality generic products. This has lowered the customers trust on the products. Therefore, there is a need to regulate the market and introduce new lab and field test to ensure the quality of the products and provide a benchmark for the products.
+*The [http://www.energy4humandevelopment.com/2012/02/pico-pv-real-solution-for-rural.html PV market is flooded with cheap bad quality generic products]. This has lowered the customers trust on the products. Therefore, there is a need to regulate the market and introduce new lab and field test to ensure the quality of the products and provide a benchmark for the products.
 = Conclusion =