Pico PV Market Challenges in Ethiopia
Introduction
Currently Pico PV systems market is increasing alarmingly. But the uncontrolled diffusion of solar Pico products in the market is a concern since most products that are imported/distributed legally or illegally are characterized by poor qualities, not durable, some non branded, not warranted and these challenge the emerging market of solar Pico technologies in Ethiopia.
There is no control mechanism regarding Pico solar quality and standards including certification. Most solar Picos available in the market have no quality certificates either by lighting Africa or any legal certification organization. No clarity on Pico PV systems as well as no custom tax exemption. Still Pico PVs are expensive in price with abnormal profit, and not affordable to the rural community. There are also price irregularities that Pico PV products with the same brand in the same area have different prices. There is also scarcity of Solar Pico spare parts so that users are unable to replace the damaged/broken components. Disposal mechanism of worn-out solar components is not yet set in Ethiopia.
Solution
Therefore it is important to remind clean energy developing actors/NGOS, GOs and policy makers to design viable control system for illegally imported and poor quality solar products. There is a need to have trained and licensed solar suppliers and retailers. It is also crucial to have Pico PV testing and regulatory institutions in Ethiopia. Moreover it is important to trigger research institutions/Universities to involve in such community based researches in accessing quality and cost effective solar products to rural end users. These all enhance the demand of Pico PV in off grid rural households, areas for which solar PV system will be primary (not an alternative) source of energy since grid connection to be unlikely to happen in the near future due to electricity distribution difficulties for scattered rural settlement in the Ethiopia context.
