Solar Home Systems (SHS)

Solar home systems (SHS) are stand-alone photovoltaic systems. In rural areas that are not connected to the grid SHS can be used to meet a household's energy demand fulfilling basic electric needs. SHS usually operate at a rated voltage of 12 V direct current (DC) and provide power for low power DC appliances such as lights, radios and small TVs for about three to five hours a day.

SHS typically include one or more PV modules consisting of solar cells, a charge controller and at least one battery.

They contribute to the improvement of the standard of living by

• reducing indoor air pollution and therefor improving health as they replace kerosene lamps,
• providing lighting for home study,
• giving the possibility of working at night and
• facilitating the access to information and communication (radio, TV, mobile phone charging).

Furthermore, SHS avoid greenhouse gas emissions by reducing the use of conventional energy ressources like kerosene, gas or dry cell batteries or replacing diesel generators for electricity generation.

Stand-alone photovoltaic systems can also be used to provide electricity for health stations to operate lamps during night and a refrigerator for vaccines and medicines to better serve the community.