Comparative Analysis of Solar Photovoltaic Lighting Systems in India

Abstract

This study is based on extensive survey of selected photovoltaic (PV) programs in India and presents a comparative analysis of four prevalent solar lighting technologies, namely Solar Home System, Solar Charging Station, Solar AC Mini Grid and Solar DC Micro Grid employed for rural electrification in India. The study is focused on technical, financial, and institutional aspects of these programs along with the social impact assessment of PV based electrification in rural households. The findings of this study revealed that private entrepreneurship based delivery model have shown better performance as compared to the subsidy based delivery model. It is also found that beneficiary ownership play a vital role in the performance and sustainability of PV programs. We suggest that financial support, local need based technical innovations, developing local technical expertise and sensitization and training of all stakeholders are key parameters to enhance the operational sustainability of the PV programs.