Are village-level solar power systems relevant?

The empirical case studies of village-level solar power systems in India, Kenya and Senegal were each chosen because of features that make them particularly relevant for future activities on village scale solar systems.

Does village-scale solar power supply exist in India?

We analyze and synthesize the long-term experiences with three different systems for village-scale solar power supply in India, Senegal and Kenya. Since this scale of electricity provision forms part of village infrastructure, it requires particular types of knowledge, policies and support mechanisms.

How much did Shanxi government invest in solar power?

Zhang Yuhong, chief of the provincial rural vitalization bureau, said governments at various levels in Shanxi invested a total of 21.16 billion yuan to support the building of village solar farms and power generation facilities. Li Quanhong contributed to this story.

Are solar farms reducing poverty in Shilou County?

"The solar farms are also turning sunlight into cash and fortune for hundreds of households in the neighborhood," said Hu Yuhai, deputy chief of the rural vitalization bureau of Shilou county. He said all the 113 villages in Shilou have been engaged in operating solar farms aimed at eliminating poverty.

How can a village based solar PV system be financed?

They have therefore identified additional financing sources through cross subsidies or government budgets to cover the difference. Similar provisions would be required for solar PV based, village scale electricity supply in smaller towns and villages to guarantee economic survival of these systems.

Can village scale solar power supply be sustainable?

Our cases demonstrate that a variety of sustainable, technical and organizational solutions for village scale solar power supply is possible. However, these conditions do not automatically lead to delivery models that are well adapted to the local contexts.