Solar Power

In this section, the motive is to explain what PV power is and how it can be utilized to power the “Desert PC,” (Greekcorps, 2007) a term to be defined in the course of the section. The use of PV (photovoltaic) information communication technologies could stimulate Mauritanian economic development. To begin this discussion, the significance of PV energy will be explained. PV technology consists of the conversion of solar energy to electricity by PV cells or thermal energy in concentrated solar power (Ginley, D., Green, M. A., & Collins, R., 2008). Another byproduct of solar power is thermoelectricity. According to Ginley, D., et al. (2008), thermoelectric devices can be utilized either for cooling or for power generation, whereby heat can be converted into useful electrical energy. In addition, forthcoming applications and markets for remote “self-powered” systems for wireless data communications are in development for the next generation of thermoelectric devices. Ould Khouna, M. E. (2009) says, regarding Mauritania’s solar energy potential, the country’s capability of acquiring solar energy is significant, where it offers a range from 4 to 6 Kwh/m2 per day with an average sunshine duration of 8 hours per day. Thus, it can be understood that the implementation (or rather, the development) of both PV and thermoelectric installations is highly promising (Tritt, T. M., Bottner, H., & Chen, L., 2008). To finalize this point, Mauritanian systems have been shifting to solar power, which require less power consumption and have better maintenance capabilities. According to Minister Oumar Ould Yalin of the Ministry of Energy, Water, and ICT, improved infrastructure will “result in the provision of employment and diversify sources of income…Electricity arriving in the most remote regions gives accesses to information facilities and allows an opening to the external world” (as cited in Energy, 2007, p.5). Thus, it can be understood how a change to solar power could be beneficial for the Mauritanian economy through the cost efficiency of the technology. The next section elaborates on Mauritania’s technological structure and how it lays the structure for ultimately giving poor Mauritanians access to microfinancing.

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