This thesis work is a study about solar energy and photovoltaic technology option potential of Amhara Region. The first task of the study is assessing the availability of solar energy resource in the region. A new topology dependent model of estimating global solar radiation from relative sunshine hour records is developed and applied to estimate the resource potential in the region.

As basic technological variations of PV systems, off grid and grid connected PV system potentials are anticipated for the region too. The off grid system potential is expressed in terms of the need for the technology in non electrified rural service sectors including primary schools, health centers/posts, water pumping units, and individual households. The possibly generated solar energy from roof top solar systems installed on condominium buildings in the region is used to show the photovoltaics potential in term of grid connected systems. The results showed an attractive potential availability in terms of both off-grid and grid-tied PV systems in the region.