Solar photovoltaic in Mali: potential and constraints

Located in the heart of sub-Saharan Africa, between latitudes 10 degrees and 25 degrees N, Mali has a land area of 1.204 million km(2). The population is presently estimated to be 12 million with a per capita energy consumption of 227 ktoe per inhabitant per year. Wood fuel still represents 90% of the total energy consumed. Mali does not have any economically exploitable petroleum deposits., but it receives an average solar insolation of 6.3 kWh/m(2)/day. The review of the potential and problems of solar photovoltaic (PV) technology in Mali shows that high ambient temperatures affecting the performance of PV systems, high cost of installed PV systems, poor after sale service and passive participation of local communities in implementation of the programmes remain the main constraints and challenges. It is recommended that given Mali's meagre conventional energy resources, research should be intensified on low cost technology that minimises the effect of high temperatures on the performance of PV systems. Efforts should be made to avoid duplication of unsuccessful experiences, improve coordination of activities in this area and promote private sector participation. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.