Assessing the potential for solar energy utilization in Malawi

Abstract

Energy is very important for the development of any country in this world and Malawi is not exceptional. Malawi depends mainly on the Hydro Electric Power, fossil fuels and biomass on its energy sources for social economic and industrial activities. Due to increase in demand, Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (ESCOM) has more pressure to supply the power to increased number of industry and domestic use which lead to more frequent blackouts throughout the country. In this regard there is need for an alternative source of energy, and solar energy is the most common and easy to get. The main objective of this study is to assess the potential for solar energy generation over Malawi, results of which would lead to harnessing solar energy in the country. The monthly mean sunshine hours and solar radiation values for the period of 30 years from 13 sites were analyzed in this study. Monthly and seasonal variations of sunshine hours and solar radiation were determined. Long time trend were also determined. The analysis has shown that there is higher solar energy potential in the Northern, Lakeshore, Central areas and the Southern tip of southern region. The analysis has also shown that most of the areas in the Southern highlands of Malawi have low solar energy potential. The study further show that there is seasonal variation of solar radiation within the season of the year; March, April, May, August, September, October and November being the months of highest solar radiation utilization while December, January, June and July has lower solar radiation utilization potentials. This research recommends the people in the area of study to put into consideration in this form of energy. They should invest and use solar energy as a reliable source of energy more especially in the rural areas where only 1% of the population has access to Electricity. More research needs to be done in order to get accurate estimate of available solar energy in Malawi more especially at regional and districts levels