Question

How the solar energy can be utilized for raising the living standard of rural population?

Answer 1

This is a great question. I wish if Government or Private companies can actually work in this direction to create a win-win Solution for both, themselves and to uplift the Living standard of the Rural population.

While Government can spend tax payer's money in extending the reach of the central grid to provide power to Remote places and rural areas, a more sustainable solution would be to set up off-grid / Mini Solar-powered grids for these places. The Advantages would be multi-fold

For the Rural market, Consumer products specific to their needs like small Refrigerators, Lighting solutions, water pumps etc. can be manufactured to run directly on DC Power.

These products will be able to more efficiently utilize the energy as it will reduce a lot of loss occurring due to the conversion of energy from DC to AC.

This will also help in setting up a new line of manufacturing avenues.

Solar Power Plants provide more employment opportunities. Local people can be trained to maintain the Solar Power Plants, which will reduce the dependencies of local people solely on Agro-based jobs.

Easy availability of electricity will help the processing of Agro-products right on the Source and hence can provide more opportunities for locals. For Examples, small Plants can be set up to convert the Papaya into tutty-fruity and hence will let farmers improve the shelf life of their products.

These are just hints of what can be achieved by making our rural areas self-sufficient with the help of Solar Energy. I am sure, thousands of such ideas can emerge if given proper thoughts in this direction.