PicoPV Field Tests
Overview
More than 100 firms are offering PicoPV products in developing countries today[1] and new products are introduced almost daily[2]. But most products are of very low quality, with serious implications for consumer trust in the new technology. Early lab tests have focused the awareness of governments and donors on the importance of quality control and customer information – however, field tests in sufficient countries with sufficient sample sizes are needed for a better understanding of PicoPV performance under real-life conditions, and to identify gaps in the emerging draft lab test procedures. Therefore, it is important to complement laboratory test with field tests. In addition, private sector actors lack basic market information on this new technology (such as national market potentials, local consumer preferences and willingness to pay) which they would need to decide if and how to enter this new market segment.
Instruments for Field survey
In order to help bridge these information gaps and support the development of the nascent PicoPV market, GIZ has launched a comprehensive PicoPV field test and survey in five developing countries across different continents, using a range of specially developed research tools.[1]
GIZ also developed various instruments in order to accomplish researches on consumer needs and impacts. These instruments are based on quantitative and qualitative methods.
In order to develop the market for PicoPV, it is important to fínd out more about consumer needs. In this section results from various field tests are presented.
