Site selection framework for mini-grids in developing countries: An overview.

As developing countries ramp up efforts to secure adequate rural electrification, mini-grids are growing in popularity. However, a key barrier for their widespread deployment remains the inherent uncertainty around revenue and project sustainability. To address these concerns, preliminary energy-use surveys that assess the suitability of a site for mini-grid installation should be utilized. Energy-use surveys account for village demography, current and projected demand and willingness to pay, amongst other parameters. This study presents a preliminary quantitative and qualitative methodology for evaluating the suitability of a rural village for the installation of a mini-grid. The framework may be used by energy service companies and project managers prior to selecting a site for a mini-grid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]