Component-based solar PV systems (CBSS) can be used as a solution to achieve universal access to electricity, especially in remote and underserved regions where grid expansion may not be economically viable. For this solution to be implementable, consumers, retailers and sellers need to have access to information about proper system design and sizing. However, acquisition of this knowledge is costly. This lack of information leads some retailers and sellers to misconfigure solar systems, making the systems potentially dangerous. There is therefore a need for a solution which will ensure that consumers, sellers and retailers have easy access to information that can help them design, purchase, and acquire CBSS. Strathmore University seeks to address this shortcoming by developing an application that sizes solar systems, based on energy consumption characteristics of the Kenyan underserved market. The application will ensure that assembled CBSS are correctly sized and configured. This project seeks to lay foundations for the development of the application by providing electrical information required for the application's algorithm.

Key Learning Points:

• Case studies and latest lessons learned in off-grid, rural, remote, and island CBSS regarding volumes of consumption and consumers' willingness to pay.
• CBSS design for minimizing cost and integrating renewables
• Business models, economics, and financing for solar system projects
• CBSS design, analysis, and feasibility planning tools

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