Photovoltaic Module Assembly as Appropriate Technology in Pakistan

This paper describes photovoltaic module assembly as appropriate technology in Pakistan. The paper begi ns by describing a three-week workshop in July 2009, in w hich a group of twenty unemployed people in Karachi, Pakistan were successfully trained in photovoltaic module assembl y. Module components and assembly techniques are summarized. Factors pertinent to sustaining the project as a viable bus iness enterprise, including the beneficial social externa lities are discussed and analyzed. System designs for use in b oth urban and off-grid rural settings are proposed and energy outputs from the systems are simulated. In summary, the pa per presents a thorough case study for expanding the ut ilization of photovoltaic technology in developing nations.