Review of Sustainable Grid-Independent Renewable Energy Access in Remote Communities of India

In the last decade India has seen an increase in the adoption of solar energy-based technologies by consumers, which has been supported by various government efforts and policies. The rural areas and low-income households that lack a proper electricity supply have emerged as a market for solar off-grid technologies, with private developers increasing their market base slowly in this group. This has promulgated the need to restructure the decentralized energy sector. Existing literature points out the suitability of solar off-grid in such markets; the present study investigates the challenges that have hindered its growth. The study reviews the concept of poverty with respect to the energy sector and analyzes methods of determining poor energy access in the present scenario. It emphasizes the need to understand and reconceptualize policy instruments in order to make solar off-grid a powerful tool in tackling energy demand and providing adequate energy access. It further explores the causes of energy disconnects and how grid-independent solar energy is a technological solution of utmost relevance and in consonance with the idea of sustainable development. For a successful venture, both consumer behavior and marketer objectives are important determinants. The work also provides insights into various models, tools, factors, and social constructs that affect consumer perception and subsequently demand. Over the course of the study, it has been revealed how private players and entrepreneurs are tapping the wrong solar market, leading to misappropriation of solar energy technologies. The suggested improvements and recommendations of the present study from the analysis can serve as a guide for policy makers, technological innovators, and financial stakeholders. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2021;00:1-12. (c) 2020 SETAC

Automated summary

This study investigates the challenges hindering the growth of the solar energy market in India, emphasizing the need to rethink policy tools to promote the development of solar off-grid technologies. Private developers have expanded their base in rural and low-income household markets, but energy disconnects are still a concern.