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Rooftop solar photovoltaics have the potential to successfully electrify rural and scattered communities worldwide. However, access to clean, high-quality, reliable and affordable energy remains elusive for several households in rural areas of the developing world. To fully comprehend, unpack and proffer meaningful solutions to this mismatch, energy sources in use and types in areas where rural electrification through solar home systems are profiled. Furthermore, grassroot communities' perceptions of rooftop solar photovoltaics (PVs) was explored. A case study design was adopted. Thirty (30) households were purposively sampled from three selected villages. Their perceptions on the adoption of solar photovoltaic home systems were analysed qualitatively using Atlas ti 8 software. Thematic network analysis was pursued. Households in the chosen villages use grid connections, paraffin, solar PV, firewood and candles to meet their energy needs. The chosen villages used energy for water heating, refrigeration, cooking, illumination, space heating, entertainment and ironing at the household level. In general, the participating households perceived solar PVs as a relatively cheap, easy-to-use, environmentally friendly alternative energy, and did not demand regular payments once installed. However, there was a discerning perception that solar was a weak technology that could not be relied on because it produces an inferior quality of energy, could be easily stolen and needed high capital investment beyond the reach of many consumers. The results obtained in this study highlight that the solar home system (SHS) rollout should be sensitive to rural communities' financial situations and be innovative in that low-income households are included. In addition, there is a need for a robust awareness programme that highlights the energy availability, reliability, quality, cost effectiveness and legal, health and safety benefits of the SHS to the rural families in the district. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite South Africa's international recognition in solar energy investments, the country is struggling to meet its growing energy needs. In recent years, national blackouts and load shedding have been a recurring experience in the country. The high cost of electrification and the overstrained national grid have left several rural communities without access to electricity. This study aims to explore the solar energy resources and performance of a 3.8 kWp stand-alone residential photovoltaic (PV) power system in one of the underutilised regions in South Africa. The study mainly uses ground measured solar radiation data to evaluate the solar resources of Alice and compare them with those in other parts of the world with mega solar PV projects. The components of solar radiation considered are global horizontal irradiance (GHI), direct normal irradiance (DNI), and diffuse horizontal irradiance (DHI). The average total daily GHI, DNI, and DHI of Alice were 4.98, 5.74, and 1.44 kWh/m2. Clear sky conditions were found to occur on 233 days in the monitoring year, resulting in an average total daily GHI of 6.13 kWh/m2, DNI of 6.73 kWh/m2 and DHI of 0.17 kWh/m2. The findings indicated that Alice possesses abundant solar resources for PV and concentrated solar power generation, and is comparable to other regions internationally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

South Africa is facing energy generation and supply challenges. Massive population growth and industrial expansion have exacerbated the situation. The rural communities whose hopes for grid connection are diminishing daily felt the effects of energy generation and supply. The solution to these energy challenges lies in adopting clean renewable energy sources such as rooftop solar home systems (SHS). Efforts to electrify rural households through SHS were initiated in South Africa during the turn of the century. However, little is known about its spread in other rural areas other than the piloted areas. Thus, this study reviews key weaknesses, achievements, and challenges of this programme. Based on a comprehensive review of journal articles and grey literature focusing on SHS, the study unpacked key successes, challenges and weaknesses of the SHS in South Africa. Finally, the paper recommends reviewing the SHS programme and intensifying solar energy awareness campaigns among other things. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]