OFF-GRID RENEWABLE ENERGY SYSTEMS: STATUS AND METHODOLOGICAL ISSUES WORKING PAPER Copyright © IRENA 2015 Unless otherwise indicated, the material in this publication may be used freely, shared or reprinted, so long as IRENA is acknowledged as the source. About IRENA The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) is an intergovernmental organisation that supports countries in their transition to a sustainable energy future, and serves as the principal platform for international cooperation, a centre of excellence, and a repository of policy, technology, resource and financial knowledge on renewable energy. IRENA promotes the widespread adoption and sustainable use of all forms of renewable energy, including bioenergy, geothermal, hydropower, ocean, solar and wind energy, in the pursuit of sustainable development, energy access, energy security and low-carbon economic growth and prosperity. Acknowledgements This working paper is the result of the collective input from IRENA staff members working on different aspects of off-grid renewable energy systems. The final report has benefited from valuable comments provided by external reviewers Asad Ali Ahmed, Gabriela Elizondo Azuela and Morgan Bazilian (World Bank), Paul Bertheau and Catherina Cader (Reiner Lemoine Institut), Erik Lysen (International Energy Agency – Photovoltaics Power Systems), and Sandor Szarbo (European Commission). Authors: Ruud Kempener, Olivier Lavagne d’Ortigue, Deger Saygin, Jeffrey Skeer, Salvatore Vinci, and Dolf Gielen (IRENA) For further information or to provide feedback, please contact: IRENA, Innovation and Technology Centre (IITC). E-mail:
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[email protected]. Disclaimer While this publication promotes the adoption and use of renewable energy, IRENA does not endorse any particular project, product or service provider.