150 Int. J. Global Energy Issues, Vol. 31, No. 2, 2009 Copyright © 2009 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd. Rural electrification by photovoltaic solar energy in Algeria A. Benatiallah* Faculté des sciences et science de l’ingénieur, University of Adrar Street, 11 December 1960 Adrar, Adrar 01000, Algeria Fax: +213 49 96 75 71 E-mails: benatiallah.ali@gmail.com; benatiallah@univadrar.org *Corresponding author L. Kadi Faculty des Sciences and Sciences de l’Ingenieur, Site I, Route de Belahcel BP 300, Mostaganem, University of Mostaganem, Mostaganem 27000, Algeria Fax: +213 45 21 45 43 E-mail: lamine.kadi@yahoo.com B. Dakyo Labo Greah, University of Havre, Le Havre cedex 1123 76063, B.P., France Fax: +02 32 74 43 48 E-mail: brayima.dakyo@univ-lehavre.fr Abstract: The economic and social development in Algeria in the last years has been in need of continues increasing in demand of electricity, especially in the isolated countryside. Solar energy represents a significant potential in Algeria, the country receives more than 3,000 hour of sunshine per year with a high level of radiation. The average of daily solar irradiation is from 5 to 7 kW hour m ² per day. In order to take full advantage of this natural resource, the Algerian government is conducting investments in solar energy and its applications. Large parts of electric demand are in the Sahara areas (~80% of the total surface). A dispersed population, a very hot climate of strong radiations (~7 kW hour m – ² per day) and a weak demand of energy characterise these regions. The use of the conventional energy sources is costing very high and extensions of electric networks find enormous problems. The solar energy is adapted for these areas, which have shown satisfactory results, this energy substitute conventional sources in soon future. Keywords: Algerian development; cooperation; global energy economic; global energy electricity; global energy industry; photovoltaic solar energy; research; rural electrification; social; solar potential.