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PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEMS IN SECTORS OF ECUADOR WITH DIFFICULT ACCESS AND/OR WITHOUT ELECTRICITY SERVICE: A STUDY FROM LATIN AMERICAN EXPERIENCES

Abstract:

The research analyzed the implementation of photovoltaic solar energy in sectors of Ecuador with difficult access and/or lack of electrical service, with emphasis on the Ecuadorian Amazon, based on experiences from Latin American countries. The methodology has an exploratory and descriptive level, with a quantitative approach, in a cross-sectional experiment; its qualitative approach responded to a systematic review and its quantitative approach to a study based on meta-analysis. From the application of inclusion criteria, a total of 103 research papers were obtained, a number that was reduced to 56 with the application of exclusion criteria; Once the information was classified, 32 were suitable for the descriptive process of systematic review and 24 for meta-analysis. At the end of the investigation, it was determined that the implementation of photovoltaic solar energy in sectors of difficult access and/or economically devoid of electrical service is not viable in rural and even urban sectors, since the useful life of solar panels ranges between 10 and 25 years and the recovery of the investment is projected in the long term (10 years), thereby implying high costs and a high risk for investors and the State; on the other hand, the geophysical conditions of the Amazon region of Ecuador are ideal for its implementation; however, the lack of public policies and incentives that promote the change in the energy matrix and consequently the implementation of this and other renewable energy systems has not been effective. On the other hand, the environmental impact assessment reflects positive results, since its implementation would reduce pollution levels and efficiently align the country with the sustainable development objectives (2030 Agenda).