Economic viability of a standalone solar — DC system for rural India

摘要

This paper presents the detailed economic analysis of using a solar kit with DC loads, in remote off-grid villages of India. The villagers use kerosene, petromax or candles for their lighting. These energy sources deplete natural fossil fuels. Further, the villagers are forced to trek long distances to get the fuel and also to charge their mobile phones. A simple 40W solar panel, with a charge controller and a lead-acid battery for energy storage is studied in detail as a viable option. Details of the cost comparison are presented, along with possible business models for implementation.