Reliability and Viability : A Case Study Comparative Analysis of Rural Solar Microgrid Implementation in India

Abstract

This paper attempts to analyze the effectiveness of various solar photovoltaic microgrid implementations using four case studies as reference - all developers based in India. The case studies differ primarily in their finance model. Two of the case studies focus on fully subsidized developers, one partially subsidized, and one for profit. This analysis attempts to address the complex and multilevel benefits and costs associated with each finance model. Factors such as efficiency, business sustainability, coverage, load capacity, reliability, lifespan, and impact on the community are carefully weighed and considered in order to make judgement on which model is best adopted as a universal approach in India, and other developing countries. The analysis concludes that in the short term, coupled with policy reforms, partial subsidization is the best course for ensuring maximum social welfare. Ultimately this is an attempt to reframe the issue of climate change from an obligation to an opportunity. To accomplish this, this paper emphasizes subsidy structures and the positive socioeconomic impact of electrification.