Identification and analysis of barriers in implementation of solar energy in Indian rural sector using integrated ISM and fuzzy MICMAC approach

Energy is the key component in social and economic development of a country. It plays a pivotal role in building the nation and accomplishment of the missions such as Make in India, Swachh Bharat Mission, Start-up India, Digital India and Agricultural Sustainability. Indeed, more than 70% of Indian population resides in rural sectors and agricultural outcome being their only source of income. Deprivation of energy in rural sector and increasing energy demands in urban area is compelling India to exploit Renewable Energy Resources (RES) and reduce usage of fossil fuels. Solar power installations play a pivotal role in this direction. Although efforts are underway for solar energy implementation in rural India but still Renewable Energy Technologies (RET) lack popularity due to various obstacles that hinder its diffusion at grass root level. In this context, barriers of solar power installation in Indian rural sector have been recognized using extensive literature survey and experts' input. In the present investigation, Interpretive Structural Modeling (ISM) methodology integrated with fuzzy MICMAC is utilized to identify the interrelationship among the identified barriers. Moreover, rankings of the identified barriers have also been obtained. 'Social and Environmental barriers' have been identified as dependent barriers while 'Marketing and Policy barriers' emerged out as independent barriers which needs to be addressed. The developed integrated structured model will be beneficial in understanding the interrelationship and dependencies among the identified barriers in the diffusion and adoption of solar energy in Indian rural sector. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.