What is the Afghanistan household & enterprise energy diaries study?

The Afghanistan Household and Enterprise Energy Diaries Study is a longitudinal research project on energy and electricity patterns, which represents Activity 3 of the Afghanistan Energy Study (AES), supported by the World Bank and managed by the AES Committee.

Do solar home systems provide basic electricity services in Afghanistan?

On the other, the ubiquitous diffusion of standalone solar home systems that, as further corroborated by this survey, provided most of rural Afghans with access to basic electricity services.

Does solar power increase grid electricity in Afghanistan?

Along with increasing grid electricity, this appears driven in large part by the expansion in solar home systems. Two-thirds of households in the research sample have access to solar electricity, almost all as their primary source of electricity. This is one of the most important pieces of the Afghanistan Energy puzzle.

What type of energy is used in Afghanistan?

Heating and cooking are central in Afghan household and enterprise energy patterns. Electrical heating and cooking are not widespread. Instead, wood and solid fuels power a variety of heaters and stoves (including bukhari space heaters, sandali, and tabakhana, etc.).

Why are solar home systems so expensive in Afghanistan?

There have been no minimum standards guarantee for solar home systems in Afghanistan, meaning solar is often synonymous with low-quality electricity provision. It is also often considered expensive to maintain due to the low quality and short-lasting components. Solar devices are usually unable to power large appliances, such as refrigerators.

Are stand-alone Energy Solutions a viable option for Afghanistan's rural population?

Nevertheless, as most energy planning studies highlight, given the remoteness, low population density and rough terrain of Afghanistan, stand-alone solutions might be the most cost-effective way to electrify large portion of the rural population for years to come.