Battery Charging Systems (BCS)

Many remote villages or farms in non-developed countries are not yet connected to the grid due to the high costs and the complex technology of village electrification. Kerosene and candles remain central for home lighting in most of these areas – despite their well-known negative features (indoor pollution, fire hazards, emission of GHG, high costs etc.).

Therefore, so-called pre-electrification schemes using rechargeable batteries to cover the basic demand for lighting and radio/TV operation can be an interesting alternative. BCS in rural areas have the potential to considerably reduce the time and expenses required for travelling as villagers presently often carry their batteries a long way to the next town to charge them. Already the small amount of energy that BCS provide can disproportionately improve the standard of living for the poorest. Hence, there seems to be a substantial market for a convenient and clean battery-charging system.

BCS can either be fed from electricity generated by renewable energy technologies (RETs) such as solar, hydro, wind, biomass etc. or by conventional fossil fuels (grid, diesel). In remote areas, however, the potential of RETs is high due to their economic competiveness.