Development Strategy for Sustainable Solar Home System in the Akha Upland Community of Thailand

• Main Authors: Pimnapat Bhumkittipich, Hideaki Ohgaki
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2018-06-01
• Series: Energies
• Subjects: remote areas; solar home system; sustainable development; public opinion
• Online Access: http://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/11/6/1509

With the growing effects of global warming and carbon pollution, environmental protection has become an urgent necessity. In addition, solar energy has been accepted worldwide for the generation of electricity. However, remote areas in Thailand have not had effective solar home system (SHS) development. This paper aims to explore the problems of SHS development and analyze the external factors that could have an impact on their operation in the Akha upland community of Thailand. The result of the survey indicates that about 79.38% of the respondents displayed a high-level lack of information and repair work. Moreover, many respondents presented low-level satisfaction in developing SHS. There are four strategies for sustainable SHS development using a factor analysis process, these include creating approval of SHS technologies 24.93%, developing SHS management 22.64%, promoting SHS technologies 14.29%, and supporting SHS policies 10.97%. In particular, this study considered the public views on the role of an organization that could lead to sustainable development of SHS. Furthermore, these should be managed suitably for each community. As a result, this study has provided some valuable references for SHS promotion in Thailand.