An Evaluation of Decentralized Electrification through Solar Energy with Special Reference to Solar Street Lights: ACase Study of Punjab

Electrification is the backbone of the economy for its socio-economic development. Majority of areas in India are highly dependent on centralized supply of power generated by conventional methods or they have access to electricity and are facing energy deficit due to multiple factors. Photovoltaic products have potential as a technology for decentralized electrification. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has introduced a scheme “Off-grid and Decentralized Solar Application” to promote, support and sustain off-grid solar applications. This paper has explored the development of solar street lights (SSLs) in electrifying Punjab while assessing the perspective of beneficiaries towards use of solar street lights and by analyzing the role and functionality of Punjab Energy Development Agency (PEDA) (state nodal agency) to deploy SSLs effectively. The study has highlighted some gaps like less awareness, lack of maintenance policy, expensive and low quality products, lack of information to beneficiaries which have affected the implementation of SSL scheme in Punjab.