Abstract
This article analyzes the incidence of photovoltaic solar energy in rural areas of Morona Santiago, addresses the challenges of rural electrification in communities of the Ecuadorian Amazon. In response to this problem, the Empresa Electrica Regional Centro Sur (CENTROSUR), through its Renewable Energy Unit (UER), has implemented autonomous photovoltaic systems (SFV for its acronym in English) in isolated communities of the canton of Morona. This initiative seeks to improve the quality of life of the inhabitants of a community through access to clean and sustainable electricity in areas where there are no electrical networks and cannot be built, since it is not feasible, either technically or financially. The study measures the impact of these systems in three key areas: well-being, energy autonomy and ecological sustainability, based on original field data. In addition, technical training mechanisms and public funding are proposed to ensure the long-term operation of the systems. Using a mixed approach, combining quantitative and qualitative methodologies, surveys were carried out with the Likert scale, direct observation, and analysis of secondary data from INEC and CENTROSUR. The results obtained were analyzed with Cronbach’s Alfa, obtaining a 0.79 of reliability, and Spearman’s correlation reveals inverse links between experience and training needs, emphasizing community participation. The proposed solution not only represents a viable alternative to provide electricity service to rural communities but also has a direct alignment with the strategic objectives of Ecuador’s Electricity Master Plan, which sets as a target a coverage of 99,65% in all provinces by 2032. It also promotes the use of clean technologies as a tool for social development and environmental conservation.
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