National Photovoltaic Rural Electrification Programme

Through the National Photovoltaic Rural Electrification programme, rural communities in Botswana can utilise a ficing scheme to purchase photovoltaic systems repayable over 4 years with interest. The government underlines that solar water heating has been found to be economically viable and that it needs to be promoted both as a complementary source and as a stand alone supply of hot water. It also points out that more research and development is needed in the fields of wind and biogas.

The government issues contracts under this programme to develop solar PV and water heating systems, installing pilot projects, such as centralised photovoltaic power plants in villages.

The 2001 Revised National Policy for Rural Development emphasises the role of solar photovoltaic systems in rural electrification and development. The policy document clearly spells out that the use of renewable energy should be encouraged as a measure to reduce harmful emissions and conserve natural resources. The policy further notes that the provision of energy using renewable resources is likely to promote the development of productive activities in rural communities which are not necessarily based on agriculture.

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