Difference between revisions of "Market Research on PicoPV Systems of Lighting Africa"
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*'''Product and Concept Testing Study'''. Objective is to find out new additional product types. Strenght and weaknesses of products are explored. <br> | *'''Product and Concept Testing Study'''. Objective is to find out new additional product types. Strenght and weaknesses of products are explored. <br> | ||
| − | = Results = | + | = Results = |
== Ethiopia<br> == | == Ethiopia<br> == | ||
| − | === Qualitative Study === | + | === Qualitative Study<br> === |
| + | <u>'''Use of Light:'''</u> | ||
| + | |||
| + | Mostly used lighting source is the paraffin lamp. Due to perceived negative impacts, users would prefer an alternative, if available and affordable. | ||
| + | |||
| + | Households: | ||
| + | |||
| + | *Light is used in the morning for about one hour to get ready for the day. It is used as well in the evening for four hours for domestic jobs (preparing dinner, making homework, etc.). | ||
| + | *In houses with one room, light is used for all activities, while in bigger houses mainly two lighting devices are needed. | ||
| + | *Light illuminates mainly the living room. But lamps are carried around if needed (toilet, kitchen, etc.). | ||
| + | |||
| + | Micro-Business: | ||
| + | |||
| + | *Light is used in the morning for about one hour in businesses, which open before sunrise. Businessess use the light in the evening mainly from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. (mean of 3 hours). | ||
| + | *In bigger shops, light is mainly used for the customer room. | ||
| + | *Markets outside use portable lights only, if street lights don't work. | ||
| − | |||
<br> | <br> | ||
Revision as of 12:51, 10 December 2010
Lighting Africa
Lighting Africa is a joint IFC and World Bank program. Its objective is to provide up to 250 million people in sub-Saharan Africa with access to light generated by alternative energy sources by 2030.
Methodology
The research was accomplished by Research International East Africa.
It includes:
- five products: a table lamp and two flexibly mountable lamps powered by means of small, portable solar panels; one flashlight powered by solar panels; and a second flashlight powered by common batteries.[1]
- two key market segments: households and micro-businesses in rural and urban areas [2]
- five countries: Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia
The research collection, which was accomplished in 2008, consists of:
- Exploratory Qualitative Study. Objective is to gain a first insight on user demands and preferences. As usual in case of qualitative data, results can not be generalized, but provide an in-depth understanding of consumer needs and motivation. This phase includes 55 interviews. Simultaneously each respondent tested an off-grid product. Interviews were accomplished in each of the two market segments.
- Quantitative Usage and Attitudes Study. This phase aims to quantify users habits and attitudes. Additional questions, which were of keen interest: current expenditures for energy supply, willingness to pay. This phase consits of interviews with 1000 households and 400 small business owners in each country. Interviews were accomplished through structured questionnaires.
- Product and Concept Testing Study. Objective is to find out new additional product types. Strenght and weaknesses of products are explored.
Results
Ethiopia
Qualitative Study
Use of Light:
Mostly used lighting source is the paraffin lamp. Due to perceived negative impacts, users would prefer an alternative, if available and affordable.
Households:
- Light is used in the morning for about one hour to get ready for the day. It is used as well in the evening for four hours for domestic jobs (preparing dinner, making homework, etc.).
- In houses with one room, light is used for all activities, while in bigger houses mainly two lighting devices are needed.
- Light illuminates mainly the living room. But lamps are carried around if needed (toilet, kitchen, etc.).
Micro-Business:
- Light is used in the morning for about one hour in businesses, which open before sunrise. Businessess use the light in the evening mainly from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. (mean of 3 hours).
- In bigger shops, light is mainly used for the customer room.
- Markets outside use portable lights only, if street lights don't work.
- ↑ Solar Energy Foundation. 2010. Sun connect. What? Why? Wow! – Understanding consumers’ needs
- ↑ Lighting Africa. 2008. Market Research. (http://www.lightingafrica.org/node/191/)
