The stand-alone mini-grid solar PV power stations in Saierlong Township and Namcuo Township brought the households electricity with more stable voltage for better lighting and the use of electrical appliances. However, from end-users' experiences in this study, the households were not satisfied with the electricity service. The main concerns were associated with the insufficiency of electricity supply and unreliable electricity service. The insufficiency of the electricity supply was due to lack of information about local household electricity needs. Such information is important, because it helps to determine how much capacity a system should have for a township and how long a system can be sustained when the population and loads increase. The development of growing demand for electricity in the electrified townships is not considered by the government in their original supply plan to secure sufficient electricity supply. As for the issue of unreliable electricity service, it is important that electricity is provided regularly for a scheduled period of time daily so that users can predict the amount/duration of electricity service available. Limitations of solar PV power stations pose problems in providing a reliable electricity service, especially in comparison to fossil fuel-based rural electrification programs. With a certain fixed capacity, it is often difficult for solar PV power stations to provide
Table 17 Average number of hours for electrical appliances per household per day in Saierlong Township and Namcuo Township. Source: Compiled by the author.