Modeling Appropriate Solar Home System Operations for Optimal Quality of Life in Remote Areas

Abstract

     This article presents the results of modeling appropriate solar home system (SHS) operations for optimal quality of life (QOL) in a remote area by using qualitative, quantitative, and operations research methodologies. Mae Salong Nai sub-district, Chaing Rai province, where there is no electricity service using transmission lines was selected for this study. Evaluation was administered using the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and goal programming (GP) techniques. The results showed that the appropriate SHS operations that met the optimal QOL for a remote area consisted of four 10-watt fluorescent lamps and a 21-inch television. The minimal capital investment cost for the SHS using 240 watt was about 58,952 baht to provide a satisfactory livelihood with a high environmental index. Thus, the SHS maintenance system should be developed by motivating community participation together with government organization for continuous monitoring and evaluation.