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2019
Conference Paper
Titel
Quality assurance of SWH in emerging markets: An overview of influential factors in Egypt and Tunisia
Abstract
Solar thermal technologies have a diverse range and scale of application, creating market potential worldwide. Due to favorable natural conditions, fuel price volatility and rising heat demand, southern Mediterranean countries present a promising market for solar thermal. Yet many barriers hinder this regional market, such as establishing a strong base for quality assurance and monitoring. The research in this paper has focused on the necessary factors for a strong and functional quality infrastructure to implement a quality certification scheme for solar water heaters (SWH). The geographical focus has been the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, highlighting its regional scheme, Solar Heating Arab Mark and Certification Initiative (SHAMCI). The research included case studies from Egypt and Tunisia due to the varying market maturity levels in both countries while sharing comparable quality infrastructure conditions. By reviewing previous studies and utilizing business modeling, a set of assessment factors for the market quality component have been formulated and introduced through a survey to experts from Egypt and Tunisia. Analysis of the survey results has produced comparative statements from the case studies and investigated the suitability of the assessment factors. The results are seen as helpful for the implementation of certification schemes in many regions around the world.