RENEWABLE ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES IN ASIA

A Regional Research and Dissemination Programme

Phase II

Funded by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida)

A Summary of
Activities and Achievements in Lao PDR

Science, Technology and Environment Agency Energy Field of Study

Vientiane, Lao PDR Asian Institute of Technology
P.O. Box 4, Klong Luang
Pathumthani 12120
Thailand

i
 RENEWABLE ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES IN ASIA

A Regional Research and Dissemination Programme

Phase II

Funded by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida)

A Summary of Activities and Achievements in

Lao PDR

Science, Technology and Environment Agency Energy Field of Study

Vientiane, Lao PDR Asian Institute of Technology
P.O. Box 4, Klong Luang
Pathumthani 12120
Thailand

ii
RENEWABLE ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES IN ASIA
A Regional Research and Dissemination Programme
Phase II

A Summary of Activities and Achievements in Lao PDR

PUBLISHED BY
Regional Energy Resources Information Center (RERIC)
Asian Institute of Technology
P.O. Box 4, Klong Luang
Pathumthani 12120
Thailand
E-mail: enreric@ait.ac.th
Website: http://www.serd.ait.ac.th/reric/

ISBN 974-241-701-6
1,500 copies

Copyright © 2002. Regional Energy Resources Information Center (RERIC),

Asian Institute of Technology. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced by any means, stored in a retrieval

system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical,
photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the written permission of the
publisher.

Printed in Thailand

Neither the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) nor

the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) makes any warranty, expressed or
implied, or assumes any legal liability for the accuracy or completeness of any
information herein provided. References herein to any apparatus, product,
trademark or manufacturer does not constitute or imply its endorsement,
recommendation or favouring by Sida or AIT.

ii
 Preface
The total energy consumption in the world has been growing at an average rate
of two percent annually for nearly two centuries. Similar growth is expected to
continue in the future. Conventional energy sources such as coal, oil, natural
gas, nuclear and hydropower account for 85% of the global primary energy
consumption. The share of fossil fuels in the total supply of conventional energy
is about 90%.

It is increasingly becoming evident that current pattern of rising conventional

energy consumption cannot be sustained in the future due to two reasons: the
environmental consequences of heavy dependence on fossil fuels and the
depletion of fossil fuels. In recent years, global warming has emerged as the
most serious environmental threat ever faced by mankind. Urban air pollution
and acid rains are also major problems associated with large-scale use of fossil
fuels. Therefore, at present, a consensus is emerging that renewable energy
technologies need to be promoted if global energy supplies are to be placed on
an environmentally sustainable path.

Despite the efforts of various government institutions, universities, NGOs and

international development organizations, renewable energy technologies are
yet to make a substantial contribution for betterment of the quality of life in the
developing countries. To find a wider acceptance, it is very important to make
sure that renewable energy solutions are accessible, affordable and
appropriate. Research and development institutes in developing countries have
a vital role in the development, local adaptation and promotion of renewable
energy technologies. These institutes have much to gain from regional
networking with similar institutes in other countries through sharing experience
and joint coordinated research.

In this background, the Swedish International Development Cooperation

Agency (Sida) sponsored a regional programme entitled “Renewable Energy
Technologies in Asia: A Regional Research and Dissemination Programme
(RETs in Asia)”. The programme is coordinated by the Asian Institute of
Technology (AIT) and involves a number of national research institutes from six
Asian countries: Bangladesh, Cambodia, Lao PDR, Nepal, Philippines and
Vietnam. It has been promoting three technologies: solar photovoltaics, solar
drying and biomass briquetting.

The objective of this booklet is to present a brief account of the activities carried
out in the Philippines within the framework of the second phase of the RETs in
Asia programme.

Prof. S.C. Bhattacharya

December 2002 RETs in Asia Coordinator

iii
 Renewable Energy Technologies in Asia Team
Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida)
Dr. Gity Behravan – Senior Research Advisor (since 2001)
Program Coordinator
Prof. S.C. Bhattacharya

Asian Institute of Technology (AIT)

Prof. S.C. Bhattacharya – Energy Program
Dr. S. Kumar – Energy Program

Bangladesh
Mr. Dipal C. Barua – Grameen Shakti (GS)
Prof. Muhammad. Ibrahim – Center for Mass Education in Science (CMES)
Dr. Md. Nawsher Ali Moral – Bangladesh Institute of Technology (BIT)

Cambodia
Dr. Sat Samy – Ministry of Industry, Mines and Energy (MIME)
Dr. Phoeurng Sackona – Institut de Technologie du Cambodge (ITC)

Lao PDR
Dr. Phouvong Sayalath – Science, Technology and Environment Agency (STEA)

Nepal
Mr. Rajendra B. Adhikari – Center for Renewable Energy (CRE)
Prof. Mohan B. Gewali – Research Center for Applied Science and Technology (RECAST)
Mr. Gyani R. Shakya – Royal Nepal Academy of Science and Technology (RONAST)

Philippines
Prof. Rowaldo R. de Mundo – University of Philippines, Diliman
Dr. Arnold Elepano – University of the Philippines, Los Banos

Vietnam
Dr. Pham Khanh Toan – Institute of Energy (IE)
Mr. Trinh Quang Dung – Solar Laboratory (SolarLab)

iv
 Contents
Abbreviations .............................................................................................vi

1. Lao PDR Energy Overview ................................................................... 1

Country Background ................................................................................................1
Energy Resources and Consumption.....................................................................1
Renewable Energy: Potential and Deployment....................................................3

2. Renewable Energy Technologies in Asia: A Regional Research and

Dissemination Programme ................................................................... 6
Introduction ...............................................................................................................6
Technologies Promoted under RETs in Asia.......................................................7
RETs in Asia Activities.............................................................................................7
Participating Institutions...........................................................................................8

3. Photovoltaic Programme...................................................................... 9
Photovoltaic Rural Electrification .........................................................................9
Survey on PV Technology Applications in Lao PDR.......................................10
Local Technological Solutions through Adaptive Research ............................13
Demonstration, Monitoring and Dissemination ...............................................15
Training and Capacity Building .............................................................................17
Financial and Sustainability Issues ........................................................................19

4. Retrospections.................................................................................. 20

References............................................................................................... 22

Glossary of Terms..................................................................................... 23

v
 Abbreviations

AIT – Asian Institute of Technology

BCS – Battery Charging Station
CFL – Compact Fluorescent Lamp
CMES – Center for Mass Education in Science
CRE – Center for Renewable Energy
CTLTE – Canada-Thailand-Lao Tri-lateral Environment program
DOEE – Department of Electronic Engineering
DSS – Direct Small Solar (pump)
EDL – Electricity du Laos
FAO – Food and Agricultural Organization
GOL – Government of Lao PDR
GS – Grameen Shakti, Bangladesh
GTZ – German Agency for Technical Cooperation
IE – Institute of Energy, Vietnam
ITC – Institut de Technologie du Cambodge
MIME – Ministry of Industry, Mines and Energy, Cambodia
NRI – National Research Institute
NUL – National University of Lao PDR
PV – Photovoltaic
RECAST – Research Center for Applied Science and Technology, Nepal
RONAST – Royal Nepal Academy of Science and Technology
RERC – Renewable Energy Research Center
SHS – Solar Home System
SolarLab – Solar Laboratory of Institute of Physics, Vietnam
STEA – Science, Technology and Environment Agency, Lao PDR
TRI/STEA – Technology Research Institute of STEA
UPD – University of Philippines, Diliman, Philippines
UPLB – University of Philippines, Los Banos, Philippines

vi
 1. Lao PDR Energy Overview
Country Background
Lao PDR is a mountainous, landlocked country, and over 80% of the
population live in rural areas. Its economy is mainly based on agriculture,
power generation, mining and forestry. In 2001, agriculture contributed to
about 51% of GDP, while services and industrial sectors contributed about
25.7% and 23.4% respectively. The GDP growth rate during 2000-2001
was over 5.5% (World Bank, 2002). Although the potential for international
trade is inhibited by being a landlocked country, Lao PDR has a
comparative advantage due to its considerable hydropower energy
resources and its common borders with Thailand, Vietnam, China and
Cambodia.

Lao PDR – Quick Facts

Land area: 236,800 km2
Population: 5.3 million (2001)
Population density:
22.4 people/km2 (2001)
Gross Domestic Product:
US$ 1,800 million (2001)
Per Capita GDP: US$340 (2001)
Currency:
Lao Kip (LAK, Kip)
US$ 1= LAK 7890 (2002 Dec)
Source World Bank (2002)

Energy Resources and Consumption

Lao PDR is endowed with significant hydropower and biomass energy
resources. Hydropower is abundant with a theoretical hydroelectric
potential of about 26,500 megawatts (MW) excluding mainstream Mekong.
Exploitable hydropower potential, including share of mainstream Mekong,
is estimated at around 23,000 MW. In addition, important lignite and coal
deposits have also been discovered and exploration for oil and gas is in
progress (LNCE, 2002).
The energy situation in Lao PDR is characterized by very low conventional
energy consumption. The country’s per capita annual energy consumption
in 1997 was about 32 kilograms of oil equivalent (kgoe), which was one of
the lowest rates in the region and much below the world average of 1,474
kgoe (ADB, 2001). Energy use within the country is still dominated by the
use of fuelwood, which accounts for about 90% of total energy
requirements. Fuelwood is traditionally used for domestic cooking and in
small rural industries. Charcoal is widely used as a cooking fuel in both
urban and semi-urban areas. Lao PDR has an installed electric generating
capacity of 624 MW, but nearly 90% of the generation is exported to
Thailand. Only around 33% of the population has access to electricity
(LNCE, 2002).

National Energy Situation

Installed capacity – 624.1 MW (2001) Per capita energy consumption, 1997 (kgoe)
3206 6534
Electrification – 33% (2002) 1500

Primary energy consumption pattern (1993) 1200 1002

Fuelwood Charcoal 900
688
Hydropower Petroleum products
600
9.4% 4.6% 373
298
300 170
1.6% 77 32 33
0

Bangladesh

India

P.R. China

R.O. Korea
Thailand

Singapore
Nepal

Vietnam
Lao P.D.R.

Phillipines
74.4%

Per capita Electricity generation (kWh)

Per capita GNP, 1999 (US$)
8490 24150 2000, *1999, +1997 5635 7473*
4000 2000
1531
3000 1500
2010 1074
2000 1000
1050 578
780
482*
1000 370 290 500 + 342
370 440 252
220 113 64
0 0
Bangladesh

India

P.R. China

Thailand

R.O. Korea

Singapore

Bangladesh

India

P.R. China

Thailand

R.O. Korea

Singapore
Nepal

Vietnam
Lao P.D.R.

Nepal

Vietnam
Phillipines

Phillipines
Lao P.D.R.

Sources – LNCE (2002), World Bank (1998), ADB (2001), Nhoybouakong (1996)

2
Renewable Energy: Potential and Deployment
Lao PDR is endowed with several renewable energy resources.
Harnessing these resources appears to be a promising solution for
improving the quality of life of the Lao people, especially of the rural
villagers, who are unlikely to have access to a conventional electricity
supply in the foreseeable future.

Solar Energy
Lao PDR is located in the tropical zone and has an average daily solar
radiation level of 4.5 to 4.7 kilowatt-hours per square meter (kWh/m2).
Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems were first introduced in Lao PDR during
the early 1980s. These earliest PV projects were supported and directly
implemented by several donor governments including France, Australia
and Thailand. Later, the Government of Lao PDR (GOL) started promoting
and disseminating PV technology, mainly solar home systems and solar
lanterns, through the New and Renewable Energy Centre (NREC) of the
Science, Technology and Environmental Agency (STEA) with the
cooperation of French government, the German Agency for Technical
Cooperation (GTZ) and the Solar Laboratory (SolarLab) of Vietnam. The
main PV applications in the country are telecommunication power supplies
consisting of 89 units with a total capacity of 106.5 kilowatt-peak (kWp) and
PV vaccine refrigerators consisting of 33 units with a total capacity of 6.6
kWp.

Under the Canada-Thailand-Lao Tri-lateral Environment (CTLTE)

programme, a battery charging station with a capacity of 1.5 kWp was
installed in Tangwai village of Xonburi district in Savankhet province in
1998. This charging station serves 40 families. In 1999, another battery
charging station of similar capacity was installed in Phon Ngam village of
Atsaphone district of the same province under the Renewable Energy
Technologies in Asia (RETs in Asia) programme (Phase I) funded by the
Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida).

A number of solar home systems have been installed as demonstration

units. Under the CTLTE programme, five 55 Wp solar home systems and a
200 Wp community centre lighting system were installed in Tawang and
Don Kaxai villages respectively. STEA installed five 75 Wp solar home
systems in Phon Ngam village under RETs in Asia project. Electricité du
Laos (EDL) installed 52 solar home systems units with the support of the
World Bank in Vientiane province.

3
The Science, Technology and Environment Agency (STEA), the successor
to STEA, is the main organization involved in solar energy development
activities in the country. Other organizations that have limited involvement
are Electricité du Laos (EDL), the Faculty of Engineering and Architecture
of the National University of Laos (NUL) in Vientiane, and other institutions
working in collaboration with STEA.

There are no local manufacturers of PV panels and accessories in Lao

PDR. All components including batteries are imported. There are two
suppliers of PV systems and solar thermal systems in Vientiane, but their
sales are limited to government agencies and nongovernmental
organizations implementing PV projects in Lao PDR.

Biomass
Woodfuels form by far the largest source of energy in Lao PDR. According
to an estimate of the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO), woodfuel
consumption in 1993-94 was more than 2.3 million tons and accounted for
nearly 90% of the total energy consumption of the country. It is estimated
that about 92% of the households use woodfuels for cooking. Besides
woodfuels, an estimated 0.343 million tons of agricultural wastes were also
available for use as a fuel in 1993-94 (FAO, 1997). Biogas obtained by
anaerobic fermentation of cow dung and other organic matters can be used
as an energy source for cooking, lighting and other purposes. Biogas
technology was introduced in Lao PDR in 1983 through the assistance of
FAO. Initially, three family-size biogas units were set up by the Ministry of
Agriculture and Forestry with the cooperation of FAO. Since 1983, STEA
has been involved in the development of pilot biogas plants. At present 14
biogas plants with capacity ranging from 12 to 16 m3 each have been
installed in the country so far (Vannpho, 1997). According to estimates, the
potential of biogas from recoverable animal wastes in Lao PDR is about
189 ktoe/year (Bhattacharya et al., 1997).

Hydropower
Of the technically exploitable hydroelectric potential of about 23,000 MW,
less than 2% has been developed so far. In 1993 an MOU was signed with
the Thai Government to supply 1,500 MW to Thailand by the year 2000,
this being superseded in June 1996 by another to provide 3,000 MW. In
1995 an MOU was signed with the Vietnamese Government to supply
1,500 to 2,000 MW of electricity before the year 2010. In 2001, GOL signed

4
an agreement with Cambodia to cooperate on supplying electricity to areas
along the common border. In addition to international supply commitments,
domestic energy consumption is growing at 8% to 10% annually (LNCE,
2002).

A number of promising hydropower sites have been studied and many

feasible projects have been identified. Some are to be developed by GOL
with multilateral support, whilst the private sector is also showing greater
interest (LNCE, 2002). Large potential also exists for mini and micro-hydro
to supply isolated mini-grids serving clusters of villages. A recent socio-
economic survey and technical field investigations have identified 12
feasible sites for small hydropower plants with a total estimated capacity of
around 13.4 MW (LNCE, 2001).

The installed electricity generation capacity as of December 2000 is 644

MW of which 627 MW(97%) was from hydro and the rest from diesel and
other sources. Of the hydropower plants, 261 MW (42%) belongs to
Electricité du Laos (EdL), 360 MW (57%) belong to Independent Power
Producers (IPPs) and the rest is under provincial authorities.

Wind
According to the Wind Energy Resource Atlas of South Asia prepared by
the World Bank Asia Alternative Energy Programme (ASTAE, 2001), good
to excellent wind resource areas for large-scale wind generation are found
in central Laos. Also, good to excellent wind resources for village power
generation and water pumping using small turbines are predicted for south-
central Laos. However, a detailed assessment of wind energy potential in
Lao PDR has yet to be carried out (LNCE, 2002).

National Policy on RETs

A recent power sector strategy study (LNCE, 2001) recommends various
policy measures relevant to the development of RETs in Lao PDR, in the
context of rural electrification. The study has identified two categories of
projects - those in which several villages are served by a micro or mini-
hydroelectric generating station and connected through a mini-grid, and
those in which service is provided to a cluster of unconnected villages
using solar home systems for individual households or pico-hydro stations
serving several households. Important policy recommendations include
divestment of off-grid electrification responsibility from the national power

5
utility (EDL), and establishment of a dedicated government agency
responsible for promoting rural electrification throughout the country.

6
 2. Renewable Energy Technologies in Asia:
A Regional Research and Dissemination Programme

Introduction
Although the growing importance of renewable energy for providing energy
services, particularly in rural areas, is now recognised in most developing
countries of Asia, many factors hamper the best use of renewable energy
resources in these countries, even when they offer cost effective solutions.
These issues include:

Lack of awareness and information about the viability of renewable

energy

Lack of mechanisms for financing renewable energy systems

Poorly designed, unreliable or unaffordable renewable energy systems
based on technologies/designs inappropriate for local conditions

Lack of trained manpower for research and development, installation,
maintenance and repair of renewable energy systems

Insufficient technology transfer and lack of technical, operational and
market data at different levels

Lack of consistent government policies and co-ordination among
various organisations involved (government agencies, NGOs, R&D
institutions, entrepreneurs).
There are a number of research and development institutions in Asian
countries engaged in promotion of renewable energy technologies and
they possess varying degree of expertise and experiences. Most of these
institutes, which operate in isolation, can gain through networking with
similar institutions in the region by sharing experience, joint and
coordinated research and joint training programmes and study tours. Under
this background, a project entitled ‘Renewable Energy Technologies in
Asia: A Regional Research and dissemination programme’ (RETs in Asia)
was conceived.
RETs in Asia Objectives
The goal of RETs in Asia is to promote utilisation of renewable energy resources for
meeting indigenous energy needs of countries in Asia, thereby contributing to
sustainable development of the region. The research and dissemination programme
of RETs in Asia presses forward the diffusion of a few matured or nearly matured
renewable energy technologies in a group of selected Asian countries.

7
RETs in Asia is supported by the Swedish International Development
Cooperation Agency (Sida) and coordinated by the Asian Institute of
Technology (AIT). The first phase of the programme was started in 1997
and covered two years. The second phase of the project extended over a
three-year period from January 1999 to December 2001.

Technologies Promoted under RETs in Asia

Three renewable energy technologies promoted under RETs in Asia are:

Solar photovoltaics

Renewable energy based drying, and

Biomass briquetting
These technologies were selected considering the technological maturity,
potential, and region-wide applicability.

Regional Networking: Key Strategy of RETs in Asia

Regional
approach and Vietnam
SolarLab Philippines
institutional IE UPD
ITC
cooperation Cambodia UPLB
remain in the
forefront of MIME
strategies AIT
Lao PDR STEA
adopted by Sida
the project.
The project RECAST
BIT
provides a
RONAST CMES
unique Nepal
GS
opportunity for CRE
Bangladesh
the research
institutions in six
Asian countries to work together and in partnership with the Asian
Institute of Technology (AIT). Joint development of research objectives
and methodology provided opportunities to include local issues in the
project

8
RETs in Asia Activities
RETs in Asia focuses on three activities, which directly address some of
the barriers identified:

Adaptive research on renewable energy systems, principally to rectify
and improve existing designs to suit local conditions and meet user
expectations,

Information dissemination, demonstration, monitoring, and developing
strategies for promotion of the selected renewable energy
technologies, and

Technology transfer and capacity development of local R&D
institutions and entrepreneurs through training, networking and
collaborations.

Participating Institutions
RETs in Asia activities in participating countries are implemented through
National Research Institutes (NRIs). Technology Research Institute of
Science, Technology and Environment Agency (TRI/STEA) participated in
the project representing Lao PDR and was involved in activities promoting
PV technology. The Asian Institute of Technology played a central role in
the regional programme by coordinating research activities and providing
logistical support. AIT also organised training programmes, regular review
workshops, and facilitated inter-country visits.

Technology Research Institute of Science, Technology and

Environment Agency (TRI/STEA)
The Science, Technology and Environment Agency (STEA) of Lao PDR (formerly
Science, Technology and Environment Agency (STEA)) established the Technology
Research Institute (TRI) in 1999 and entrusted it with providing research and
services related to development of renewable energy, appropriate technology and
information technology in the country. TRI/STEA is actively engaged in renewable
energy development and has carried out a number of projects on solar PV
technology, biogas technology, biomass briquetting and micro-hydro development.

Asian Institute of Technology (AIT)

AIT is an international postgraduate institution of higher learning with a mission to
develop highly qualified and committed professionals who will play a leading role in
the sustainable development of the region. More than 1500 graduate students from
over 40 countries study at AIT. The Energy Field of Study of AIT's School of
Environment, Resources and Development (SERD) carries out teaching, research and
outreach activities related to the energy efficiency, renewable energy, energy
policy and planning, power systems, energy-environment and climate change issues.
9
For details, visit: http://www.serd.ait.ac.th/ep/ep.html
 3. Photovoltaic Programme

Photovoltaic Rural Electrification

Photovoltaic cells, which convert sunlight directly into electricity, provide
one of the most practical solutions to meet basic energy needs for lighting
and small household appliances for the people who have no access to an
electricity grid. PV systems ranked high in all respects such as reliability,
quality of light, low maintenance and operational cost and provide
environmentally friendly energy. The most popular PV based rural
electrification systems are Solar Home Systems (SHS) and Battery
Charging Stations (BCS).

Solar Home System (SHS) PV module

Ballast

Fluorescent
Charge light
controller DC/DC
converter

Switch Radio

+ -
Battery B&W Television

Solar Home Systems are 12-volt direct-current (dc) stand-alone PV systems used in
small homes. Each SHS includes a PV module, battery, charge controller,
fluorescent lights, wiring and outlets appliances.

During the day, electricity from the PV module charges the storage battery. During
the evening, the battery discharge power to lights and other applications. The
charge controller protects the battery from overcharging and over-discharging by
controlling the flow of electricity between the PV module, battery, and the loads.
The loads in a typical SHS comprises of 2-4 fluorescent lamps, a television and a
radio.

Due to geographical conditions, low population density and low energy

usage, conventional grid extension is not a cost effective option for
electrification of rural areas in Lao PDR. Although PV technology is a

10
viable alternative, its application has been limited only to few
demonstration systems. Lack of awareness and unavailability of cheap,
reliable systems and accessories, and absence of maintenance and
support services are major barriers for diffusion of PV technology. Activities
of the programme on PV technology, designed to address some of these
issues, include:

Technology assessment of PV systems and appliances

Establishing demonstration PV power systems and appliances, and
monitoring their operation and promotion

Adaptive research and development of selected prototype PV systems
and appliances locally, and

Dissemination and training for PV based applications.

Survey on PV Technology Applications in Lao PDR

TRI/STEA carried out a detailed countrywide survey to obtain the status of

PV application in Lao PDR. The questionnaire-based survey collected
information regarding PV installations, system specifications, present
status, problems faced, user satisfaction, etc. The survey revealed that:

The total installed capacity of PV systems as of February 2002 was
about 304.88 kWp (Source: STEA and Sunlab company 2003). The
applications include solar home systems, battery charging stations,
solar vaccine refrigerators, solar water pumping stations, remote
sensing and telecommunication system power supplies.

All PV modules and accessories are imported. The cost of modules
ranged from 5.43– 5.95 US$/Wp. The 12 V automobile batteries used
in most installations costs about 0.42 – 0.63 US$/Ah and last for about
two years on an average. The lifetime of fluorescent tubes used with
electronic ballasts was around two months. However, the expensive
imported compact fluorescent lamps worked satisfactorily for about two
years.

There are two suppliers of PV modules and accessories on demand.
There is also one company providing engineering services for PV
products. All companies are located in Vientiane.

Spare parts and proper repair and maintenance services for PV
systems are not available in most parts of the country. PV suppliers,
however, under take repair and maintenance tasks.

11

The cost of PV systems is prohibitively high to be affordable to rural
Lao population. There is no credit, easy payment or pay-for –service
facilities to finance PV based electricity supply.

Photovoltaic Installations in Lao PDR (2000)

Applications/Systems No. of Total Capacity
Units (kWp)
Solar home systems 3,692 150.24
Battery charging stations 9 13.19
PV vaccine refrigerators 79 16.95
Stand-alone Community centres 18 11.00
power supplies Microwave repeater 89 106.50
stations and rural
telephones
Meteorological stations and 18 0.32
civil aviation aids
Rural education centres 18 1.50
Rural husbandry 8 3.20
Solar lantern kits 108 1.08
Other applications 5 0.9
Total 304.88

TRI/STEA compiled and published four technology fact sheets (TFSs)

based on the collected information of PV system accessories currently
being used in Lao PDR. Each technology fact sheet contains information
such as

Applications

Technology description

Technical specifications

Pictures of the device

Price

Dealer contacts

Contact / feedback of users
These technology fact sheets would be very useful source of information
for any organisation planning to implement PV projects in Lao PDR.

12
Technology Fact Sheet of PV System Components
A sample technology fact sheet on charge controllers developed by TRI/STEA.
Title of PV System/Accessory: Charge Controller
Technology applied in:
Solar home system
Solar lantern

PV street lighting
PV Battery charging stations

Solar pumping  PV refrigeration

Technology Description:
Charge controller is a device, which controls the charge level of the battery and
protects it from over charging and over discharging. Controller automatically
disconnects the loads from the battery when the battery voltage reaches its
minimum level. When the voltage of the battery reaches its maximum the
controller disconnects the solar module from the battery. The disconnect levels
are set by a potentiometer.
Technical Specifications:
Model Solsum 8.8X Steca 20M Steca 30M
Charge Current (max) 8A 20 A 30 A
Load Current (max) 8A 20 A 30 A
Weight 112 g 450 g 450 g
Dimension 85×98×34 cm 188×106×29 cm 188×106×29 cm
Switching device MOSFET MOSFET MOSFET
Display Colour LED Colour LED Colour LED
Cost: Solsum 8.8X Steca 20M Steca 30M
62 US$ 105 US$ 133 US$
Current Dealer: Sunlabob (Solar Energy System)
P.O. Box 2455 Vientiane, Lao PDR
Tel: +856 20 518016, Tel/Fax: +856 21 214857
E-mail: sunlabob@laotel.com
Successful User:
Steca 30M – Battery Charging Station in Luangnamtha province
User’s Feedback:
Steca 30M is in use for over 7 years with the BCS and no technical problems
have been reported yet. It is efficient in protecting batteries from over
charging and no maintenance is required.
Solsum 8.8X Steca 30M

13
Local Technological Solutions through Adaptive
Research
Adaptive research programmes were initiated to improve and develop
balance among the system components. The benefits of adaptive research
include:

Enhancing the acceptability of solar PV systems through development

of improved balance of system components to suit local conditions.

Development of new appliances and accessories with local demand,
adding the value of PV systems.

Building capacity for producing the components locally.

Easy troubleshooting and replacement in case of failures.

Encouragement of local entrepreneurs to invest in producing balance
of systems components.
Some of the achievements by TRI/STEA in the adaptive research
programmes have noteworthy impact on the acceptance of solar PV
systems in Lao PDR.

State-of-Charge Indicator
All most all PV applications in Lao PDR use lead-acid automobile batteries
due to their lower cost compared to deep cycle solar batteries. Battery life
is often shortened by over-discharge resulting from negligence or misuse
by the user. Specifically, when batteries are charged at BCS and used at
the home, there is no protection again over-discharge. It is often difficult for
users to keep track of the battery state of charge when it is used
intermittently. In order to rectify this situation, TRI/STEA developed a low
cost, electronic state-of-charge indicator during the first phase of adaptive
research. The indicator is simple to understand: a green light for good state
of charge and red light to indicate that the battery needs to be charged
before further use. The cost of assembling the state-of-charge indicator
locally was around 35,000 kip (4.44 US$).

Improved Electronic Ballasts for Fluorescent Tubes

The main application of PV technology in rural areas is for lighting, and
fluorescent lamps powered by 12 V dc electricity are used for this purpose.
Although there were several suppliers of this type of lamp in Laos, almost
all of them were of poor quality. Blackening of tube ends was the most
severe problem faced by all of SHS and BCS users. The electronic ballasts

14
supplied with these fluorescent lamps have low efficiency, and poor
illumination.
TRI/STEA collaborated with the Department of Electronics Engineering of
the National University of Lao PDR (DOEE/NUL) to address and to identify
problems in the electronic ballasts available in the market and improve
their design. The investigations of existing ballasts revealed that:

Blackening of fluorescent tube ends starts after 2-4 weeks of use

Life time of a fluorescent lamp was as short as 2 months under
average use (four hours per day)

Illumination level was too low

Power consumption was about 2.1 A at 12 V for a 20 W lamp.

High operating temperature of electronic components lead to early
failure of the ballast, and

There was no polarity protection against improper connection

The collaborative adaptive research of TRI/STEA and DOEE/NUL focused

on rectifying these shortcomings and resulted in the development of an
improved electronic ballast. This was tested at the DOEE/NUL Electronics
laboratory and found to have smaller power consumption of about 1.8 A at
12 V for 20 W lamp, a satisfactory illumination level, an extended period of
about two months before blackening starts, a longer lifetime and reduced
radio interference. The manufacturing cost of a 20 W fluorescent lamp with
the improved ballast was around 56,000 kip (7 US$). TRI/STEA and
DOEE/NUL are continuing with their adaptive research to further improve
the ballasts.

Adaptive Research on PV Accessories

Improved ballast State-of-charge indicator

15
Demonstration, Monitoring and Dissemination
A number of demonstration PV systems were installed at various sites with
the view of demonstrating their technical and financial viability and other
advantages. During the first phase of RETs in Asia project, a PV battery
charging station and five solar home systems were installed in Phon Ngam
village in Atsaphone district, Savannakhet province (see box).

Solar Homes System and Battery Charging Station in Phon Ngam

Phon Ngam is a remote village
located in Atsaphone district of
Savannakhet province with a
population of about 932 in about 120
households. The village’s main
economic activities are agriculture
and making handicrafts. The average
annual per capita income was
approximately 65,000 Kip. The
village is unlikely to get grid
electricity in the near future.
Villagers generally use kerosene or firewood for lighting. However, there were a few
households, where lead-acid batteries were used for lighting, television and weaving
at night. The villagers have to carry these batteries to the nearest town, which is
about 30 km away for recharging. Recharging costs about 500 Kip (US$0.06) per
recharge.
TRI/STEA installed five solar home systems in Aug. 1998 and a PV battery charging
station in March 1999 in Pong Ngam. The solar battery charging station with 1.5
kWp capacity provided battery-charging facilities for 40 households. Each
household was provided with a lead acid battery, a 18 W fluorescent lamp plus
cables/switches and a state-of-charge indicator developed through adaptive
research. Solar home systems consisted of a 75 Wp PV module, charge controller,
lead-acid battery, fluorescent lamps and cables/switches.
A committee of villagers led by the village chief coordinated and assisted STEA in
the installation of demonstration systems by collecting information, providing free
labour and organizing meetings to educate the villagers on the usage. Two
technicians trained by TRI/STEA operate and maintain the facility and a nominal
fee of 3000 Kip/month (US$0.38/month) is charged to each household to recover
the salary costs of technicians, maintenance costs and replacement of batteries.

16
TRI/STEA continued monitoring the system performance during the second
phase of the program. The monitoring included technical performance,
user satisfaction, and its effectiveness as a demonstration system. No
major technical problems have been reported in the system; some minor
problems, such as loose connections, were repaired by local technicians
operating the system. However, the fluorescent lamps used with batteries
needed to be replaced 5-7 times a year due to blackening and TRI/STEA
plan to improve the situation by replacing old ballasts with the improved
ballasts developed through adaptive research. During several rainy days,
energy shortages have occurred prompting the shortening of operating
hours of appliances.

Users are satisfied and they specifically value the access to information
through television. Small business owners such as shopkeepers have
reported extended working hours due to availability of solar lighting. The
two local technicians gained employment from BCS and they maintain the
system. The village committee has managed the collection of fees and
other operational matters without any dispute. These pilot installations
have increased awareness of PV technology among many visitors to the
demonstration site. As a result, there is high demand for PV-based
electrification systems in the nearby villages.

Educating Potential Users

In order to educate potential users about PV technology, its applications
and benefits, TRI/STEA produced and widely distributed a brochure in the
Lao language. Further, a video programme on PV technology and
TRI/STEA’s activities has been produced for promotional activities.
TRI/STEA also exhibited PV applications at several exhibitions attended by
large numbers of visitors and organised roadside demonstrations in public
places.

Pilot Projects

A new PV system configuration called hybrid battery charging station,

which is a hybrid of SHS and BCS, was tested by TRI/STEA. This is a PV
battery charging system serving a cluster of closely located households.
The advantages of the hybrid battery charging station are:

Reduction in cost compared to provision of individual SHSs for all
households,

17

Elimination of the difficulty of transporting heavy batteries over long
distances, and

Elimination of the need for a dedicated operator since the key house
owner can take care of the system

Concept of Hybrid Battery Charging System

Satellite houses

key-house
The PV system is installed at one central house, called key house. The
neighbouring houses called satellite houses bring their batteries to key house
for charging. Therefore, this system appears as a hybrid of a SHS and a small
BCS. The PV system is similar to a solar home system except that it is designed
to charge several additional batteries for neighbourhood households.

A pilot system using this configuration was installed in October 2001 at the
Renewable Energy Park operated by TRI/STEA. The Renewable Energy
Park is visited by people, students, officials, policy makers and
entrepreneurs, and is also used as a training facility for renewable energy
technologies. The pilot hybrid battery charging station consists of a 240
Wp PV array, an 8 A, three-channel charge controller. It charges five 70 Ah
batteries of the key house and satellite houses in rotation.

Training and Capacity Building

Several programmes that facilitated training and capacity building were
incorporated into the RETs in Asia project. For example, the special
student and fellowship programme provided an opportunity for two junior
researchers from TRI/STEA to be trained in R&D activities on PV
technology at AIT during three months. In addition, representatives of
TRI/STEA attended the regular RETs in Asia progress review workshops
held at AIT. These workshops provided a forum for exchange of

18
experiences and discussion of problems with representatives from other
countries participating in the programme.

Engineers and technical personnel from TRI/STEA greatly benefited from

their participation in specialised training programmes organised by the
institutions of other countries participating in the RETs in Asia programme.

Training Programmes Attended by TRI/STEA Personnel

Date Description of training Organizer No. of
attendees
April Installation, maintenance and repairing of PV SolarLab - 2
1997 systems and accessories Vietnam
Jan. Design, fabrication and repair of PV charge SolarLab - 3
1998 controllers and installation of SHS Vietnam
Mar. Fabrication and testing of PV charge CRE - Nepal 2
1998 controllers
Oct. Computer aided design of inverters, their SolarLAb - 2
2000 fabrication and troubleshooting Vietnam
April Design and fabrication of PV charge SolarLab - 2
2001 controllers Vietnam

Since the beginning of project, engineers from TRI/STEA attended training

programmes held in Vietnam and Nepal and gained valuable experiences
(see box). These training programmes were very useful for the technicians
of TRI/STEA in many aspects. Hands-on experience received helped them
to understand the techniques used in design and fabrication of electronic
circuitry and they received a good working knowledge of troubleshooting
and repairing PV system components.

Educating users in application and maintenance of the PV system can

prevent misuse and abuse of the system and improve the reliability.
TRI/STEA provided training to users of its demonstration battery charging
station and solar house systems in proper usage of the systems, with the
help of the village committee. Specifically, two local technicians operating
the battery charging station were acquainted with solar PV modules,
battery, charge controller, lamps, limitation in the daily usage and doing
simple maintenance tasks.

TRI/STEA conducted a five-day technician training on installation and

maintenance of PV systems. The objective of the programme was to train
the technicians in the villages to carry out the installation and maintenance

19
of the systems in their villages and its surroundings. Thirty-five participants
from 13 different provinces attended this programme. The programme
included a detailed description of PV technology, its use and benefits, a
description of the different components of PV systems, common problems
and their trouble shooting, installation, etc. At the end of the training, the
attendees were evaluated through tests.

Taking PV Technology to Rural Users

Installation of a solar home system A user training program

Financial and Sustainability Issues

Application of PV technology in Lao PDR still remains at the inception
stage. Except for telecommunication and meteorological station power
supplies, most other PV installations are pilot projects where the
sustainability aspect has been not been given much consideration in
planning and implementation. So far, there is no reported effort to introduce
PV systems to villagers on a commercial basis. Outright purchase of SHS
is beyond the capability of rural Lao villages. However, there are many
models for commercialisation of PV applications that have been
successfully applied elsewhere under similar conditions. These models
include various financing schemes such as instalment sale, renting, leasing
of solar house systems, or operating SHSs as a service for fee. It is
worthwhile to adapt and develop commercialisation models to suit local
conditions in Lao PDR.

Dissemination efforts of TRI/STEA have created wider awareness of solar

PV systems not only among the potential users, but also among the

20
various government agencies and policy makers. One major event in which
policy makers were involved, was the national dissemination seminar on
renewable energy technologies. During the seminar and through
publications, reports and presentations at various national and international
forums, the results of the project’s efforts were shared with the government
officials, advisors, academics, representatives from private sector and
NGOs involved in renewable energy related activities. It is believed that
this will contribute towards positive policy steps that are conducive to
further diffusion of solar PV technology.

21
 4. Retrospection
Although there are a vast number of sparsely populated villages without
grid electricity in Lao PDR, the actual application of PV technology was
limited to a few pilot projects. These projects were directly implemented by
foreign donors and used all imported systems. The outlook when RETs in
Asia regional research and development programme was initiated in 1997
was that local capacity for design, installation, maintenance or repairing of
PV systems was minimal.

Small but important developments have occurred since the inception of the
RETs in Asia programme. The local technological capacity was improved
as a result of RETs in Asia training, technology transfer and adaptive
research activities. Adaptive research helped in development of a few
accessories, appropriate for local conditions. Field demonstrations and
various other dissemination activities increased public awareness of PV
technology.

Increasing interest in PV technology among various government

institutions and potential users is visible. One notable effort that shows the
local initiative is the installation of over 50 SHS units in Vientiane province
by Electricité du Laos with World Bank assistance.

TRI/STEA, benefited from the multi-directional technology transfer process

facilitated by the project through collaborations with AIT and networking
with institutions from the other participating countries. The RETs in Asia
research and dissemination programme activities enhanced capacity,
expertise and resources. The regional networking approach of the RETs in
Asia programme has provided an excellent model for project formulation,
as well as research and development through collaboration and regional
coordination.

In order to consolidate the achievements and activities initiated, RETs in

Asia continued into its third phase. The major objectives of RETs in Asia-III
are:

Conducting limited adaptive research and concluding the research

carried out during the earlier phases by tying up the loose ends and
dissemination of research results

22

Development of technology packages on selected RETs and
demonstrating them on a semi-commercial or commercial basis

Review of barriers to commercialisation of the selected RETs,
identifying measures to overcome the barriers, implementing and
monitoring a few selected measures.

Despite important achievements during the first two phases of RETs in

Asia, much needs to be done toward achieving the wider objective of
improving the quality of life of thousands of people in rural Laos PDR who
remain without access to basic energy supplies. To attain this goal in a
sustainable manner, it is vital to maintain the interest generated through
the RETs in Asia programme.

23
 References

This booklet was compiled based on the reports prepared by Technology

Research Institute of Science, Technology and Environment Agency of Lao
PDR and AIT. Some additional references are given below.

ADB – Asian Development Bank (2001), Key Indicators of Developing Asian

and Pacific Countries 2001, Vol. 32

ASTAE – The World Bank Asia Alternative Energy Program (2001), Wind
Energy Resource Atlas of South East Asia, http://www.worldbank.org/astae/
werasa/ windenergy.htm

Bhattacharya, S.C., Thomas, J.M. and Salam, A.P. (1997), Greenhouse Gas
Emission and Mitigation Potential of Using Animal Wastes in Asia, Energy, Vol.
22, No. 11, pp. 1079-1085

LNCE – Lao National Committee for Energy (2001), Draft Report of Power
Sector Strategy Study for Lao PDR, http://www.lao-energy.com/policiesstudy/
indexpol.htm

LNCE – Lao National Committee for Energy (2002), Power Sector Policy of Loa
PDR, http://www.lao-energy.com/index.htm

Word Bank (2002), Lao PDR at a Glance / Lao PDR Data Profile, The World
Bank Group Web Site, www.worldbank.org/eap

24
 Glossary of Terms
Absorber plate: The component of a solar thermal collector that absorbs solar
radiation and converts it to heat.
AC (Alternating Current): Electric current in which the direction of the flow is
reversed at frequent intervals, 100 times per second in the Philippines (50 cycles
per second). The current coming from household electric sockets is normally of this
type.
Balance of system (BOS): The parts of the photovoltaic system other than the PV
array: switches, controls, meters, power-conditioning equipment, supporting
structure for the array and storage components, if any.
Battery: An electro-chemical device for storing electrical energy, either
rechargeable or non-rechargeable.
Biomass: Matter constituting and originating from living beings.
Biomass briquetting: Making compressed blocks from loose biomass materials,
e.g. ricehusk, saw dust etc.
Collector: The component of a solar energy heating system that collects solar
radiation, and that contains components to absorb solar radiation and transfer the
heat to a heat transfer fluid (air or liquid).
Charge controller: A component that controls the flow of current to and from the
battery subsystem to protect the batteries from overcharge and over discharge.
Essential for ensuring those batteries obtain maximum state of charge and longest
life. The charge controller may also monitor system performance and provide
system protection. Charge Controllers are also sometimes called Regulators.
Commercial energy: Literally, energy traded in the market for a monetary price,
usually conventional energy, such as coal or oil, but also wood energy, which is
traded in urban and semi-urban areas in many developing countries. Often used to
refer to conventional fuels, such as coal, gas and electricity, thus ignoring
commercially traded woodfuels. The term non-commercial energy is often used to
refer to biomass energy, ignoring the commercial trade of woodfuels and other
biomass fuels.
Conventional energy: Fossil-based fuels, such as oil, coal, natural gas and their
derivatives, for which large-scale mechanism for exploration, conversion and
distribution exist.
DC (direct current): Electrical current that flows in a single direction only. DC is
required by many electronic devices; batteries and solar cells produce DC.
DC-DC converter: Electronic circuit to convert dc voltages (e.g., PV module
voltage) into other levels (e.g., load voltage).
Electronic ballast: A ballast that, with the aid of electronic components converts
input voltage and current to high frequency (20 kHz - 60 kHz) to operate fluorescent
and high-intensity discharge (HID) lamps (e.g. fluorescent lamps).
Evaporation: The conversion of a liquid to a vapor (gas), usually by means of heat.
Fluorescent lights: Gas filled lamp in which light is produced by the interaction of
an arc with phosphors lining the lamp’s glass tube.

25
Greenhouse Effect (relating to climate): The warming of the earth due
accumulation of certain trace gases (the so-called greenhouse gases) in the
atmosphere.
Greenhouse Effect (relating to buildings): The characteristic tendency of some
materials (such as glass) to transmit radiation of relatively short wavelengths (for
example, sunlight) and block radiation of longer wavelengths (for example, radiation
emitted by objects at relatively low temperatures) causing an accumulation of heat
within the space enclosed by such a material.
Grid: A system of interconnected generators and electrical power transmission lines
that serves to meet the electrical requirements of the customers connected to it. .
Humidity: The amount of water vapor in the air. Because the common measure of
water vapor is the ratio between the measured amount and the maximum possible
amount (the saturation point at which water condenses as dew).
Hybrid System: An energy system that does not rely on only one source of energy,
for example, wind- diesel, PV-diesel, wind-PV-diesel etc.
Inverter: An electronic device, which converts a low voltage DC electricity to a
higher voltage into AC output.
kWh (kilowatt-hour ): A unit of energy - one kilowatt of power for a period of one
hour.
kgoe (kilogram of oil equivalent): A unit of energy, 1 kgoe ≈ 12.82 kWh
MW (Megawatt): A unit of power - one million watts.
Moisture content: The amount of water contained in a raw product. It is expressed
in wet basis (as a percentage of the weight of the wet product) or in dry basis (as
percentage of the weight of the oven dry product).
Natural convection: Flow of currents of a gas (or liquid) in a space due to the
existence of temperature differences. Hot gas (or liquid) has a lower density and
therefore moves up while colder gas (or liquid) moves down.
Photovoltaic module: An assembly of PV cells framed into a weatherproof unit.
The number of cells varies with the capacity of the module.
Primary energy: Energy form as it is available in nature.
Renewable energy: Any form of primary energy, for which the source is not
depleted by use. Wind and solar are always renewable, biomass can be renewable
if its consumption is matched by re-growth. Non-renewable energy refers to any
form of primary energy, the supply of which is finite and hence its use depletes the
existing stock. It generally refers to fossil fuels.
W (watt): SI unit of power. Symbol is W. Multiples like kilowatt (1 kW =1,000 W) or
megawatt (1 MW =1,000,000 W) are also used.
Wp (peak-watts): Unit of the capacity of PV modules. PV modules are rated by
their peak power output. The peak power is the amount of power output a PV
module produces at standard test conditions (STC) defined as module operating
temperature of 25 oC in full sunshine (irradiance) of 1,000 W/m2. This is a clear
summer day with sun approximately overhead and the cells faced directly towards
the sun. Multiples peak-kilowatts (1 kWp=1,000 Wp), peak Megawatts (1 MWp=106
Wp)

26
Collaborating institutions:

Technology Research Institute (TRI)

Science, Technology and Environment Agency
P.O. Box 2279, Vientiane, Lao PDR
Tel : +856 21 218711
Fax : +856 21 213472
Email : triresearch@stea.gov.la

Contact: Dr. Phouvong Sayalath, National Project Director

27
About RETs in Asia …
The project ‘Renewable Energy
Technologies in Asia: A Regional Research
and Dissemination Programme’ (RETs in Asia)
was initiated in 1997 with the broad aim of
contributing to sustainable development of
the Asian region through promoting the
utilization of renewable energy resources for
meeting indigenous energy needs of the
countries in Asia. The project promoted the
diffusion of selected renewable energy
technologies in a group of six Asian countries
through a regional research and
dissemination program. Regional approach
and institutional co-operation remained in
the forefront of strategies adopted by the
project. Photovoltaics, solar and biomass-
based drying, and biomass briquetting are
the technologies selected for promotion. The
project is supported by the Swedish
International Development Cooperation
Agency (Sida) and coordinated by the
Asian Institute of technology (AIT).

For further information, please contact:

Prof. S.C. Bhattacharya

Coordinator, RETs in Asia Programme
Energy Field of Study
Asian Institute of Technology
P.O. Box 4, Klong Luang
Pathumthani 12120, Thailand
Tel: +66-2-524 5403
Fax: +66-2-524 5439
E-mail: bhatta@ait.ac.th

A publication of RETs in Asia

http://www.retsasia.ait.ac.th/

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