Rural India: Application of Off-Grid Solar Technology

Date: October 8, 2021 | Time: 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM (IST)

India has a high percentage of the population living in rural and underdeveloped areas. While food, clothing, and shelter are undeniably the three basic necessities of life, the availability of electricity is an essential need too. In rural areas, electricity is necessary for lighting up homes and establishments, powering farming tools, and using modern devices that are convenient and health friendly. According to the latest reports, the government has managed to ensure electricity coverage in nearly the entire country. However, only 87% of the country has access to grid-based electricity. Even in these cases, the majority of users have a low sanctioned load (between 0 and 2 kW) with electricity being available for 17 hours in a day (average across customer categories). Frequent power cuts, voltage fluctuations, high costs, and a weak grid are a few of the problems faced by consumers.

In recent years, India has seen how off-grid solar energy can ensure the reliability of electricity across the country reducing the impact of weak or no electricity. Right from ensuring the availability of uninterrupted power to rural areas to benefiting various sub-segments in these areas, off-grid solar technology has come a long way. Many organizations have been working tirelessly to provide off-grid appliances like standalone solar lights and lanterns to rural and backward areas to reduce costs and ensure a reliable supply of electricity. On the other hand, various institutions have been offering solar appliances to rural entrepreneurs to boost income-generating opportunities.

The focus of the webinar was on the current and future applications of solar energy in day-to-day lives. SAWIE Member, Ms. Nitu Goel, Founder and CEO of Truesun Energy Solutions Private Limited, joined the session as the Speaker and highlighted the work done by the company for schools in Maharashtra. Leaders and specialists from the areas of access to healthcare, education, and economic empowerment of rural Indians further exchanged their ideas and experiences to create an environment that benefits all.