The Design and Installation of Solar Home Systems in rural Cambodia

Clean and affordable energy development in rural communities in Cambodia plays an important role environmental sustainability and in economic development. Due to the lack of existing infrastructure, prevalence of battery powered appliances, and remoteness of many communities; off-grid energy solutions have large potential. The price of electricity in Cambodia is the highest in the region and with the cost of solar panels decreasing, solar energy is a prime candidate in addressing this. Therefore, standalone solar home systems (SHS) are an appropriate product to supply electricity to rural households in Cambodia. This study was conducted as a pilot project to test the appropriateness of the technology and explore the benefits of SHS for households in rural areas. In cooperation with Engineers Without Borders and an in-country NGO, two solar home systems (SHS) were designed, purchased and installed in the Secret Beach community, a rural community in the south of Cambodia. The technology was accepted by the users and generated economic, social and environmental benefits. The community engaged in an education workshop and were involved in the installation of the systems. This facilitated technical knowledge transfer about the functioning of solar energy and operation and maintenance of SHS. This process empowered the community and has generated the desire to expand the systems and roll out similar systems throughout the entire community.