Let there be light : detailing the user needs of solar power in Indonesia

• Main Author: Lisa Rehak.
• Other Authors: School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
• Format: Theses and Dissertations
• Language: English
• Published: 2013
• Subjects: DRNTU::Engineering::Mechanical engineering::Alternative, renewable energy sources
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10356/54718
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

Approximately one third of the Indonesian population (86 million people) lacks access to any electricity. More alarming is that the proportion of those with electricity is falling - from 67% electrification rate in 2008 to only 65% in 2012. In order to combat this, the government of Indonesia has set new 2020 targets, including the target of increasing solar power by over 50 times its current value (from less than 12 MW to over 800 MW). While many studies have researched the installation and technical functionality of solar powered systems over the years in Indonesia, few studies have been user focused. User centred design involves the active involvement of users in order to gain a clear understanding of user and task requirements in order to improve user acceptance and satisfaction. As such, a user centred research project was undertaken in order to better design household solar power systems. Specifically, this study set out to understand user needs and requirements for solar powered lamps. A literature review was conducted followed by household interviews with 16 households (including a mix of households with and without an electrical connection) in villages around Medan, Sumatra, Indonesia. From the literature, three main challenges to system adoption (technical malfunctioning, cost, and after sales service) were examined. Next, household demographics, occupations, general energy usage, and lighting usage are discussed in detail. In general, lighting (kerosene or electrical) was used for cooking, eating, and socializing/family time in all households. No one used generators, car batteries or solar for anything (even as backup). Interestingly, households who reported their children did extra studying tended to have no electrical connection, and had less lights/lamps in their house. This counters research suggesting that increased lighting is correlated to increased studying. Finally, two separate markets for solar lamp design and development are outlined and broad user requirements for each laid out. A prototype design solar lamp is also proposed .