Abstract
Purpose. The purpose of this study was to explore and analyze the level of development attained by flat-plate photovoltaic systems operating around the world and to consider the possibility of using them as an energy solution for the rural areas of Zaire. Methodology. The study was conceived to answer research questions in the following areas: (1) Zaire's overall energy situation; (2) status of photovoltaic applications and their performance in other countries; (3) how the information from this study can be applied toward a possible solution of the energy problem in rural areas of Zaire. The Dual Case Study Method was the mainstay for data and information analysis, based principally on two plants: Tangaye Village PV in Burkina Faso and Kaw Village in French Guiana. Focused Synthesis was the main strategy used to gather the information and data. The analysis of information conveyed an idea of the level of technology readiness for flat-plate photovoltaics and the direction in which future research is headed. Findings and conclusions. The study found that (1) Zaire's rural areas (70 percent of the total population) are deficient in commercial energy provision, when compared to other countries; and (2) government policies, at the time the study took place, favored big projects which benefited mostly urban settings. The rural areas could benefit from photovoltaics, due to its modular and stand-alone characteristics, if it can be afforded by the government. Zaire's geographical position is conducive to successful implementation of the PV program, and is similar to the Tangaye and Kaw situations. Recommendations. (1) The government of Zaire should seriously assess its rural energy needs and consider photovoltaics as an energy solution. (2) Research and development work in the area of energy should be encouraged in the institutions of higher learning in Zaire, where efforts should be made to keep abreast of energy technology updates in developed countries. (3) Systems that do not use storage should be given priority, because they are cheaper. (4) Political changes have taken place in Zaire since May 17, 1997, with Zaire becoming the Democratic Republic of the Congo, but these changes are not expected to affect this research work adversely.