Study of small scale photovoltaic applications in rural Indian household context

Abstract

In India, approximately 240 million people do not have access to electricity. Many suburban and rural parts of the country are either not connected to the grid or are served with an intermittent power supply. In such cases, a dependable source is required to avail the electricity primarily for subsistence. Small-scale solar photovoltaic applications become the most reliable and dependable option to provide electricity, and it could be a solution to compensate electricity for households where the national grid is unreliable, or the population density is too sparse. In this context, a case study is performed in order to investigate the feasibility and usefulness of decentralized small-scale solar photovoltaic applications in the context of Indian rural households. The methodology involves field observations conducted in Sonitpur district of Assam, India. Additionally, a Life-cycle assessment (LCA) is conducted using ‘GaBi’ educational software to assess the embodied energy and energy payback time (EPBT). The socio-cultural relationship of such small-scale solar photovoltaic applications is studied in the human development context of remote villages in Assam state, India. Two different types of decentralized solar photovoltaic distribution models are considered – Solar photovoltaic home system (SPVHS) model and decentralized DC microgrid distribution model. Context-specific benefits are observed for the DC microgrid model over the SPVHS model. Furthermore, the socio-cultural dimensions and issues identified in ownership and maintenance point towards the acceptance of such systems. To fulfil the energy demand by considering affordability and usefulness of design, the DC microgrid distribution model ensured an optimal design based on the rural user requirements. Hence, such systems would address the subsistent energy needs of Indian villages and propel them towards energy self-sufficiency.

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