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http://hdl.handle.net/2148/508
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| Title: | Understanding the economics behind off-grid lighting products for small businesses in Kenya |
| Authors: | Radecsky, Kristen |
| Thesis Advisor: | Jacobson, Arne |
| Keywords: | Off-grid lighting
Kenya lighting
Fuel-based lighting
Small businesses
Off-grid lighting products
Lighting Africa |
| Issue Date: | May-2009 |
| Publisher: | Humboldt State University |
| Abstract: | For illumination, many off-grid communities use lighting products such as candles, kerosene-fueled lamps, or dry cell battery-powered lights. Unfortunately, fuel-based and dry cell powered lighting can be expensive, a health hazard and often provides poor quality light. Manufacturers are currently designing rechargeable lighting products using LED technology as an alternative option for lower-income people.
I developed a model to analyze the initial and life cycle costs of 19 off-grid lighting products. With the results, I make design recommendations for manufacturers. The analysis is based on product prices, laboratory measurements of product performance, and data about lighting cost and use patterns for small, off-grid businesses in Kenya. The field data were collected by Arne Jacobson, Maina Mumbi, Peter Johnstone and me during 2008.
My results indicate that the economics of off-grid lighting using electric lamps depends on the charging mode. Products that are charged on a fee basis using grid electricity generally have a lower initial cost but a higher life cycle cost than solar-charged products. For grid-charged products, I found that increasing battery size and reducing power consumption strongly influence life cycle costs. For solar-charged products, I found that reducing module size proportionally to a reduction in power consumption influences life cycle costs moderately. I also found that it is best to design grid-charged products with an optional solar component and high-brightness LEDs are the preferred lamp type if available at a reasonable price. Potential design improvements may increase capital costs; manufacturers should consider customers’ willingness-to-pay when making design changes. |
| Description: | Thesis (M.S.)--Humboldt State University, Environmental Systems: Energy, Environment, and
Society option |
| URI: | http://hdl.handle.net/2148/508 |
| Appears in Collections: | HSU Masters Theses
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