A Review of the Achievements, Weaknesses, and Challenges of Rural Electrification through Solar Home Systems in South Africa.

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]