SOLAR HOME SYSTEMS IN RURAL NEPAL: NATIONAL POLICY, SUPPORT AND PROSPECTS

摘要

This paper describes the existing policy and programmes of the His Majesty's Government of Nepal through Alternative Energy Promotion Center (AEPC) in the area of Solar Home Systems (SHS) and recommends some policy options. AEPC has been carrying out various activities to promote SHS in the rural areas together with other energy sources like micro-hydro and improved cooking stoves. The maximum subsidy made available for 30 Watt (peak) is 50% of the cost not exceeding NRs 8,000 (around US$ 100) through the Denmark funded energy assistance programme. Available literatures and documents have been reviewed to get the up to date information about the policy and programmes while preparing this paper. Some meetings with the different stakeholders of SHS were also attended to get the insights. The efforts have been very effective in terms of disseminating the SHS technology and supporting rural people to afford one. Some more work is needed to provide this technology especially in the rural areas of Nepal. The quality control for SHS components, especially battery and inverters need to be performed. The cost of SHS is also expensive for Nepal and therefore subsidy is needed especially in the rural areas. The subsidy for the SHS should be continued in the coming years and more effort is needed especially in the remote areas. SHS service centres should also be established in many parts of the country. Ways to reduce cost should also be explored in order to make it more affordable to many.