Assessing the potential for solar energy utilization in Malawi
Hussein Milanzi2014
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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 vi TABLE OF CONTENTS DECLARATION .
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