PV technology and success of solar electricity in Vietnam

Since 1990 the PV technology and solar electricity have been strongly developed in Vietnam. The PV experts of Solarlab have studied and set up an appropriate PV technology responding almost to local market needs. It has not only stood well but has also been transferred to Mali Republic and Lao PDR. The PV off grid systems of Solarlab demonstrates good efficiency and low prices. Over 60 solar stations and villages have been built to provide solar lighting for about 3000 families along the country in remote, mountainous areas and islands. Approximately 400 families are using stand-alone Solar Home Systems. The solar electricity has been chosen for rural electrification and the national telecommunication network in remote and mountainous regions. Many international projects in cooperation with FONDEM-France, SELF USA and Governmental PV projects have been realized by Solarlab. The experiences of maintenance, management and finance about PV development in Vietnam are also mentioned.