The document summarizes the success of rural electrification efforts in Bangladesh using solar home systems (SHS). It discusses how Infrastructure Development Company Limited (IDCOL) has installed over 1.6 million SHS reaching over 8 million people. Key points:
1. IDCOL implements an output-based aid program using 30 partner organizations to install SHS financed through loans to consumers.
2. The program offers grants and refinancing to lower costs and has achieved widespread adoption of SHS across rural Bangladesh, increasing incomes and development.
3. Over the past decade, SHS installations have grown exponentially through this public-private model, demonstrating solar can effectively provide energy access in off-grid communities.
Rural electrification in India: are mini-grids the answer?Ashden
This presentation was made by Ashden Founder Director Sarah Butler-Sloss at an international conference on energy access for all, organised by the Indian Ministry of New and Renewable Energy. Ashden is a charity that promotes sustainable energy and all the life-changing benefits it brings: find out more at www.ashden.org
NPTI 15th batch Ruralel Ectrification in IndiaRavi Pohani
Modification in definitions of rural electrification
Policies Laws and Schemes of rural electrification in chronological order
issues with rural electrification
Mini and Micro Grid initiatives in Indian villages
Rural Electrification is something which we all should strive for.
While we busy surfing net and using computers there people who are yet to get an electic connection to their households.
We should understand how important it is to save electricity so that more electrification is done especially in rural areas.
Kathmandu | Apr-15 | Community based Rural Electrification in Nepal Status, P...Smart Villages
Smart Villages in South Asia: Kathmandu Works hop Report The Smart Villages Initiative, working with its local partner Practical Action Consulting South Asia, held a workshop in Kathmandu, Nepal on 10th April 2015. The aim of the workshop was to learn lessons from Nepal’s experience of micro/mini-hydroelectric schemes for off-grid rural communities and associated initiatives to stimulate productive enterprises which could be shared with other stakeholders in the South Asia region.
Rural electrification in India: are mini-grids the answer?Ashden
This presentation was made by Ashden Founder Director Sarah Butler-Sloss at an international conference on energy access for all, organised by the Indian Ministry of New and Renewable Energy. Ashden is a charity that promotes sustainable energy and all the life-changing benefits it brings: find out more at www.ashden.org
NPTI 15th batch Ruralel Ectrification in IndiaRavi Pohani
Modification in definitions of rural electrification
Policies Laws and Schemes of rural electrification in chronological order
issues with rural electrification
Mini and Micro Grid initiatives in Indian villages
Rural Electrification is something which we all should strive for.
While we busy surfing net and using computers there people who are yet to get an electic connection to their households.
We should understand how important it is to save electricity so that more electrification is done especially in rural areas.
Kathmandu | Apr-15 | Community based Rural Electrification in Nepal Status, P...Smart Villages
Smart Villages in South Asia: Kathmandu Works hop Report The Smart Villages Initiative, working with its local partner Practical Action Consulting South Asia, held a workshop in Kathmandu, Nepal on 10th April 2015. The aim of the workshop was to learn lessons from Nepal’s experience of micro/mini-hydroelectric schemes for off-grid rural communities and associated initiatives to stimulate productive enterprises which could be shared with other stakeholders in the South Asia region.
Design & Implementation of a Low Cost Data Logger for Solar Home SystemDr. Amarjeet Singh
The demand of electric power is increasing
gradually with the advancement of modern technology &
engineering. Because the demand of electricity in urban
areas or in industrial zones is large in amount & also more
important than the rural areas, there exists a shortage of
electric power supply facilities for rural households or
remote location from the cities. In this case, Solar Energy is a
promising solution to meet the demand for electricity
services of rural areas in developing countries like
Bangladesh. The effectiveness & stability of small PV
systems for rural development is needed to be monitored for
successful installment of Solar Panel. In order to analyze the
system & modify it for cost reduction a data capturing unit
should be constructed that can store the voltages & currents
at three different terminals. A microcontroller operated
Smart Data Logger can perform this work with high
accuracy & precision maintaining the system cost much less
than the conventional system. This paper deals with the
design and implementation of a low cost data logger for solar
home system. An experimental set up is designed and
implemented and the paper illustrates the working principle,
data observation and analysis, limitations, and future aspects
of a low cost data logger for solar home system.
Jyoti Gram Yojana and Rural electrification in north eastern states of indiaASHISH SINGH
This Presentation is covers the Jyoti Gram Yojana of Gujarat State and how we can implement JGY for rural electrification in North Eastern States of India
India’s sustained efforts in the past two decades are now bearing fruit as renewable energy and its benefits get accepted and acknowledged.Read the report to learn more.
Renewable Energy Power Projects for Rural Electrification in IndiaMohit Sharma
As demand for energy is increasing around the world & in India, there is a positive growth trend coming in the renewable energy sector also. There are many rural and remote areas which are energy deficient.
Private companies are encouraged by Government creating opportunities by various governmental schemes like Rajiv Gandhi Grameen Vidyutikaran Yojna, Distributed Decentralized Generation and support in finance, distribution, technology, land, etc. As every area has its dynamics and differs from others in terms of topography, density of population and energy needs, there is a need of study for specific features related to a region (like a cluster of 19 villages in Gaya, Bihar requiring about 750kw Plant studied here) with the help of surveys, financial tools and earlier standards. Other renewable sources and areas are also covered in the book. The confidential information is edited-redacted.
Energy and the Sustainable Development AgendaGlobal Utmaning
A presentation held by mr Måns Nilsson, head of research at Stockholm Environment Institute at the Post Rio+20 seminar at Rosenbad on September 3, 2012.
A Study of Solar Home System in Bangladesh: Current Status, Future Prospect a...Md Fazley Rafy
Power is one of the most important factors in developing the economy and the standard of living of a country. Like the rest of the countries of the world, in Bangladesh the demand for power is increasing day by day. To fulfill our future power demands, Solar Home System (SHS) seems to be the only feasible form of renewable energy despite the cloudy climate in Bangladesh. The objective of the study was to observe the present conditions of the SHS, the degree of satisfaction experienced by the users of SHS, finding the prospects and constraints as well as contributing in the field of solar energy through presenting and highlighting important principles of solar energy. Our study revealed the users' satisfaction level to be not that encouraging due to low back-up time, high cost and increased interest rate. If these hindrances are overcome then this would show positive proliferation in the energy sector of Bangladesh.
Design & Implementation of a Low Cost Data Logger for Solar Home SystemDr. Amarjeet Singh
The demand of electric power is increasing
gradually with the advancement of modern technology &
engineering. Because the demand of electricity in urban
areas or in industrial zones is large in amount & also more
important than the rural areas, there exists a shortage of
electric power supply facilities for rural households or
remote location from the cities. In this case, Solar Energy is a
promising solution to meet the demand for electricity
services of rural areas in developing countries like
Bangladesh. The effectiveness & stability of small PV
systems for rural development is needed to be monitored for
successful installment of Solar Panel. In order to analyze the
system & modify it for cost reduction a data capturing unit
should be constructed that can store the voltages & currents
at three different terminals. A microcontroller operated
Smart Data Logger can perform this work with high
accuracy & precision maintaining the system cost much less
than the conventional system. This paper deals with the
design and implementation of a low cost data logger for solar
home system. An experimental set up is designed and
implemented and the paper illustrates the working principle,
data observation and analysis, limitations, and future aspects
of a low cost data logger for solar home system.
Jyoti Gram Yojana and Rural electrification in north eastern states of indiaASHISH SINGH
This Presentation is covers the Jyoti Gram Yojana of Gujarat State and how we can implement JGY for rural electrification in North Eastern States of India
India’s sustained efforts in the past two decades are now bearing fruit as renewable energy and its benefits get accepted and acknowledged.Read the report to learn more.
Renewable Energy Power Projects for Rural Electrification in IndiaMohit Sharma
As demand for energy is increasing around the world & in India, there is a positive growth trend coming in the renewable energy sector also. There are many rural and remote areas which are energy deficient.
Private companies are encouraged by Government creating opportunities by various governmental schemes like Rajiv Gandhi Grameen Vidyutikaran Yojna, Distributed Decentralized Generation and support in finance, distribution, technology, land, etc. As every area has its dynamics and differs from others in terms of topography, density of population and energy needs, there is a need of study for specific features related to a region (like a cluster of 19 villages in Gaya, Bihar requiring about 750kw Plant studied here) with the help of surveys, financial tools and earlier standards. Other renewable sources and areas are also covered in the book. The confidential information is edited-redacted.
Energy and the Sustainable Development AgendaGlobal Utmaning
A presentation held by mr Måns Nilsson, head of research at Stockholm Environment Institute at the Post Rio+20 seminar at Rosenbad on September 3, 2012.
A Study of Solar Home System in Bangladesh: Current Status, Future Prospect a...Md Fazley Rafy
Power is one of the most important factors in developing the economy and the standard of living of a country. Like the rest of the countries of the world, in Bangladesh the demand for power is increasing day by day. To fulfill our future power demands, Solar Home System (SHS) seems to be the only feasible form of renewable energy despite the cloudy climate in Bangladesh. The objective of the study was to observe the present conditions of the SHS, the degree of satisfaction experienced by the users of SHS, finding the prospects and constraints as well as contributing in the field of solar energy through presenting and highlighting important principles of solar energy. Our study revealed the users' satisfaction level to be not that encouraging due to low back-up time, high cost and increased interest rate. If these hindrances are overcome then this would show positive proliferation in the energy sector of Bangladesh.
lable at ScienceDirectEnergy 36 (2011) 4445e4459Contents.docxcroysierkathey
lable at ScienceDirect
Energy 36 (2011) 4445e4459
Contents lists avai
Energy
journal homepage: www.elsevier.com/locate/energy
Summoning earth and fire: The energy development implications
of Grameen Shakti (GS) in Bangladesh
Benjamin K. Sovacool*, Ira Martina Drupady
Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, National University of Singapore, 469C Bukit Timah Road, Singapore 259772
a r t i c l e i n f o
Article history:
Received 14 December 2010
Received in revised form
27 March 2011
Accepted 31 March 2011
Available online 4 May 2011
Keywords:
Bangladesh
Energy poverty
Energy development
* Corresponding author. Tel.: þ65 6516 7501; fax: þ
E-mail address: [email protected] (B.K. Sovaco
0360-5442/$ e see front matter � 2011 Elsevier Ltd.
doi:10.1016/j.energy.2011.03.077
a b s t r a c t
Since its establishment in 1996, the nonprofit company Grameen Shakti (GS) has installed almost half
a million solar home systems (SHS), 132,000 cookstoves, and 13,300 biogas plants among 3.1 million
beneficiaries. They plan to ramp up their expansion so that by 2015, more than 1.5 million SHS are in
place along with 100,000 biogas units and 5 million improved cookstoves. This article describes GS’s
current activities, the contours of its programs, and likely reasons for its success. It also explores the
remaining challenges facing GS and distils common lessons for other energy development assistance
projects and programs around the world. After detailing research methods consisting primarily of
research interviews and site visits, the article briefly explores the history of GS and summarizes its three
most prominent programs. The article then identifies six distinct benefits to their programsdexpansion
of energy access, less deforestation and fewer greenhouse gas emissions, price savings, direct employ-
ment and income generation, improved public health, and better technologydbefore discussing chal-
lenges related to staff retention and organizational growth, living standards, technical obstacles,
affordability, tension with other energy programs, political constraints, and awareness and cultural
values.
� 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
1. Introduction
The cockroaches, calls for prayer, cold showers, and repeated
power outages at our hotel in Dhaka, Bangladesh, obscured the
fact that a few blocks down the road, something exciting and
possibly revolutionary was happening in the campaign to fight
energy poverty in the country. At the nearby offices of the
Grameen Bank, a nonprofit company, Grameen Shakti (GS), has
kept lights glowing and chimneys smoking in rural Bangladesh
households since 1996, through affordable renewable energy
projects. Taking a leaf from the success of Grameen Banks, GS
pioneered the use of microcredit schemes and technical assistance
to promote solar home systems (SHS), small-scale biogas plants,
and improved cookstoves (ICS). Together these technologies
reduce deforestation, fight poverty and climate change, provide
energy ser ...
Renewable Energy: An Assessment of Public Awareness in Jhansi Neeleshkumar Maurya
ABSTRACT India is one of the countries with the largest production of energy from renewable sources (solar light, bio gas, hydro, bio diesel, wind etc). Jhansi city has a very good scope to generate renewable energy due to their geographical situation and environmental factors. Diffusion methods are a key factor in promoting renewable energy production. Present time Indian government uses different types of effective extension education and diffusion method a deep gap which needs to be addressed in the area of energy education and awareness in India. This study aims to address the awareness of renewable energy and running Indian government different subsidy scheme like Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission (JNNSM), Government Yojana: Solar Energy Subsidy Scheme, UDAY Scheme, SECI scheme, ROOFTOP scheme. Methodology used sample size was 250 respondents from Jhansi three different local area were chosen Shiva Ji Nagar, Veerangana, Kochha Bhanwar its duration from November 2018 to February 2019. Questionnaire based on self-structured questionnaires including demographic data that includes gender, age, income, education, area of residence, life quality, and interest of implementation. The statistical analysis used percentage and ratio, stated that middle class and rural respondents were more (76%)interested to use renewable energy, government launched different schemes but 96 % respondent had no knowledge. The government needs to improve its diffusion method that changes Indian people’s view of renewable energy not only economically but eco-friendly and helpful in various type of health issues. Keywords: Awareness -Renewable Energy, Diffusion method, government subsidy, eco-friendly.
Renewable Energy: An Assessment of Public Awareness in Jhansi Neeleshkumar Maurya
India is one of the countries with the largest production of energy from renewable sources (solar light, bio gas, hydro, bio diesel, wind etc). Jhansi city has a very good scope to generate renewable energy due to their geographical situation and environmental factors. Diffusion methods are a key factor in promoting renewable energy production. Present time Indian government uses different types of effective extension education and diffusion method a deep gap which needs to be addressed in the area of energy education and awareness in India. This study aims to address the awareness of renewable energy and running Indian government different subsidy scheme like Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission (JNNSM), Government Yojana: Solar Energy Subsidy Scheme, UDAY Scheme, SECI scheme, ROOFTOP scheme. Methodology used sample size was 250 respondents from Jhansi three different local area were chosen Shiva Ji Nagar, Veerangana, Kochha Bhanwar its duration from November 2018 to February 2019. Questionnaire based on self-structured questionnaires including demographic data that includes gender, age, income, education, area of residence, life quality, and interest of implementation. The statistical analysis used percentage and ratio, stated that middle class and rural respondents were more (76%)interested to use renewable energy, government launched different schemes but 96 % respondent had no knowledge. The government needs to improve its diffusion method that changes Indian people’s view of renewable energy not only economically but eco-friendly and helpful in various type of health issues. Keywords: Awareness -Renewable Energy, Diffusion method, government subsidy, eco-friendly
To mitigate the sector’s market and financial barriers, the Indian Government has sought climate financing from international banks. Additionally, with technical assistance programs, the early market-related risks and challenges, such as lack of experience and technical knowledge amongst the key stakeholders are to be overcome in order to accelerate deployment of rooftop solar.
The scope of this briefing note is to provide an understanding of the current state of grid-connected rooftop solar financing in the country and, in particular, in Tamil Nadu. It evaluates the state of the international lines of credit, its implementation at state level (for Tamil Nadu), and the availability and accessibility of the financial support. Through this, the document aims to identify possible gaps and challenges existing today in financing rooftop solar.
Impact Investment in Mini Hydropower, Indonesia 2013Eric Stryson
Produced in partnership with IBEKA, award winning NGO working for 20+ years to support community organization, operation and ownership of small scale hydro power plants in rural Indonesia. The plan proposes an innovative scheme whereby communities are incentivized to protect forest and water catchment resources as a means for long term viability of facilities, and lower risk for investors. State power company PLN has expressed an openness to providing premium tariffs in such cases.
Similar to Rural electrification using photovoltaic: the success story of Bangladesh (20)
"Understanding the Carbon Cycle: Processes, Human Impacts, and Strategies for...MMariSelvam4
The carbon cycle is a critical component of Earth's environmental system, governing the movement and transformation of carbon through various reservoirs, including the atmosphere, oceans, soil, and living organisms. This complex cycle involves several key processes such as photosynthesis, respiration, decomposition, and carbon sequestration, each contributing to the regulation of carbon levels on the planet.
Human activities, particularly fossil fuel combustion and deforestation, have significantly altered the natural carbon cycle, leading to increased atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations and driving climate change. Understanding the intricacies of the carbon cycle is essential for assessing the impacts of these changes and developing effective mitigation strategies.
By studying the carbon cycle, scientists can identify carbon sources and sinks, measure carbon fluxes, and predict future trends. This knowledge is crucial for crafting policies aimed at reducing carbon emissions, enhancing carbon storage, and promoting sustainable practices. The carbon cycle's interplay with climate systems, ecosystems, and human activities underscores its importance in maintaining a stable and healthy planet.
In-depth exploration of the carbon cycle reveals the delicate balance required to sustain life and the urgent need to address anthropogenic influences. Through research, education, and policy, we can work towards restoring equilibrium in the carbon cycle and ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come.
UNDERSTANDING WHAT GREEN WASHING IS!.pdfJulietMogola
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Natural farming @ Dr. Siddhartha S. Jena.pptxsidjena70
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Willie Nelson Net Worth: A Journey Through Music, Movies, and Business Venturesgreendigital
Willie Nelson is a name that resonates within the world of music and entertainment. Known for his unique voice, and masterful guitar skills. and an extraordinary career spanning several decades. Nelson has become a legend in the country music scene. But, his influence extends far beyond the realm of music. with ventures in acting, writing, activism, and business. This comprehensive article delves into Willie Nelson net worth. exploring the various facets of his career that have contributed to his large fortune.
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Introduction
Willie Nelson net worth is a testament to his enduring influence and success in many fields. Born on April 29, 1933, in Abbott, Texas. Nelson's journey from a humble beginning to becoming one of the most iconic figures in American music is nothing short of inspirational. His net worth, which estimated to be around $25 million as of 2024. reflects a career that is as diverse as it is prolific.
Early Life and Musical Beginnings
Humble Origins
Willie Hugh Nelson was born during the Great Depression. a time of significant economic hardship in the United States. Raised by his grandparents. Nelson found solace and inspiration in music from an early age. His grandmother taught him to play the guitar. setting the stage for what would become an illustrious career.
First Steps in Music
Nelson's initial foray into the music industry was fraught with challenges. He moved to Nashville, Tennessee, to pursue his dreams, but success did not come . Working as a songwriter, Nelson penned hits for other artists. which helped him gain a foothold in the competitive music scene. His songwriting skills contributed to his early earnings. laying the foundation for his net worth.
Rise to Stardom
Breakthrough Albums
The 1970s marked a turning point in Willie Nelson's career. His albums "Shotgun Willie" (1973), "Red Headed Stranger" (1975). and "Stardust" (1978) received critical acclaim and commercial success. These albums not only solidified his position in the country music genre. but also introduced his music to a broader audience. The success of these albums played a crucial role in boosting Willie Nelson net worth.
Iconic Songs
Willie Nelson net worth is also attributed to his extensive catalog of hit songs. Tracks like "Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain," "On the Road Again," and "Always on My Mind" have become timeless classics. These songs have not only earned Nelson large royalties but have also ensured his continued relevance in the music industry.
Acting and Film Career
Hollywood Ventures
In addition to his music career, Willie Nelson has also made a mark in Hollywood. His distinctive personality and on-screen presence have landed him roles in several films and television shows. Notable appearances include roles in "The Electric Horseman" (1979), "Honeysuckle Rose" (1980), and "Barbarosa" (1982). These acting gigs have added a significant amount to Willie Nelson net worth.
Television Appearances
Nelson's char
WRI’s brand new “Food Service Playbook for Promoting Sustainable Food Choices” gives food service operators the very latest strategies for creating dining environments that empower consumers to choose sustainable, plant-rich dishes. This research builds off our first guide for food service, now with industry experience and insights from nearly 350 academic trials.
Artificial Reefs by Kuddle Life Foundation - May 2024punit537210
Situated in Pondicherry, India, Kuddle Life Foundation is a charitable, non-profit and non-governmental organization (NGO) dedicated to improving the living standards of coastal communities and simultaneously placing a strong emphasis on the protection of marine ecosystems.
One of the key areas we work in is Artificial Reefs. This presentation captures our journey so far and our learnings. We hope you get as excited about marine conservation and artificial reefs as we are.
Please visit our website: https://kuddlelife.org
Our Instagram channel:
@kuddlelifefoundation
Our Linkedin Page:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/kuddlelifefoundation/
and write to us if you have any questions:
info@kuddlelife.org
2. 344 Islam Sharif and Marufa Mithila / Energy Procedia 33 (2013) 343 – 354
1. Introduction and study review
Bangladesh is an agricultural country in South Asia with 163 million people, where sustainable
development, energy crisis and food security is of great concern. Nearly 75% of the population lives in
rural areas and only about 30% of the rural households have access to grid electricity. Alternative solution
is to introduce solar home systems for the rural households in off-grid areas and to introduce solar grid
hybrid system for the rural grid areas. Financial initiatives as a result of policy push have major role to
play in developing the market in Bangladesh. The basic applied forms of solar PV in rural Bangladesh are
solar home system (SHS) and micro utility (electrification of rural markets). Feedback from the users of
these system syndicates that solar energy-based electricity has been providing very satisfactory service to
consumers. IDCOL, a government-owned agency equipped to develop private sector deploying private-
public partnership model, was selected as the implementation and monitoring agency of the solar energy
fastest growing renewable
energy programs in the world. It has brought in positive changes in the livelihood of people in remote
rural areas of Bangladesh by providing access to electricity. The Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relation
Committee of the United States, John Kerry in his speech at the World Bank Head office on 19 November
2009 mentioned IDCOL SHS project as a good example of literally life-altering project of the World
Bank. IDCOL promotes dissemination of solar home system (SHS) in the remote rural areas of
Bangladesh through its Solar Energy Program with the financial support from the World Bank, Global
Environment Facility (GEF), KfW (German Development Bank), GIZ (German Technical Corporation),
Asian Development Bank, USAID and Islamic Development Bank. IDCOL started the program in
January 2003 and its initial target was to finance 50,000 SHSs by the end of June 2008. The target was
achieved in September 2005, 3 years ahead of schedule and US $ 2.0 million below estimated project
cost. IDCOL then revised its target to install 1 million systems by 2012. This was also achieved ahead of
August 2012, more than 1.6 million SHSs have already been installed under the program. IDCOL
implements through 30 partner organisations (POs) and solar PV growth market improves quality of life
through access to electricity, which provides access to electricity to 200,000 people per month while
adding 2.0 MW to national power generation by installing 50,000 systems, creates additional income,
generates activities in the rural areas, promotes local entrepreneurs, creates jobs in rural areas for both
skilled and unskilled people, promotes domestic industries, and reduces carbon.
Solar energy has experienced phenomenal growth in recent years due to both technological
improvements resulting in cost reductions and organisational policies supportive of renewable energy
development and utilisation. The policies initiatives for flexible and easy flow of cash have a major role
to play in the proliferation of PV technology into the market, especially when the market development is
in the nascent stage and is dominated by the rural population. We propose to analyse the technical,
economic and policy aspects of solar energy development and deployment. Despite the huge technical
potential, development and large-scale, market-driven deployment of solar energy technologies world-
wide still has to overcome a number of technical and financial barriers. Unless these barriers are
overcome, maintaining and increasing electricity supplies from solar energy will require continuation of
potentially costly policy support. Considering the funding needs, IDA Board has approved a second
additional financing of US$172 million for supporting another 630,000 systems, which is expected to be
met by the project closing in December 2012. The Bank continues to remain committed to support the
government in its efforts to address the challenges in the rural electrification sector of Bangladesh
(Sadeque, Zubair K.M; World Bank, 2012) [1].
of the government owned
organisation, partner organisations, private sectors driven solar PV program, reaching at root level village
3. Islam Sharif and Marufa Mithila / Energy Procedia 33 (2013) 343 – 354 345
developments as well as of the general energy sector in Bangladesh. Starting over a decade ago, this gap
in rural electrification requirements has been met through a demand-led process, driven essentially by
entrepreneurs, government and non-governmental organisations. The Solar Home System (SHS)
dissemination program in Bangladesh is considered to be one of the most successful of its kind in the
world, bringing power to rural areas where grid electricity supply is neither available nor expected in the
medium term [2].
1.1. Objective of the study
The objective of this paper is to observe the various organisational approaches and identify best
practices in rural electrification using PV from an institutional, technical, marketing and financing point
of view. As such, it is now timely to examine the various approaches and to try to develop and present
some coherent, consistent and rational policies that will enable a mix of approaches that lead to a holistic
framework and/or model for rural electrification. The purposes of this study are:
To bring out the advantages and impacts of strategies on PV technology through various successful
stories that involves in rural development.
To understand what are the various financing mechanisms developed for creating market and existing
PV deployment in the rural regions of Bangladesh
To learn about the available financial incentives and schemes for its operation
To understand the barriers in market development and reducing the subsidies.
2. Bangladesh
2.1. Location
Bangladesh is a country in south Asia, which lies between latitudes 20° and 27°N, and
longitudes 88° and 93°E and the climate is tropical, the very location makes Bangladesh good recipient of
solar energy. Maximum amount of radiation is available on the month of March-April and minimum on
December-January [3].
Fig. 1. (a) Average solar radiation showing land area; (b) Solar radiation and area of Bangladesh with highest potential for solar
energy utilisation.
(a) (b)
4. 346 Islam Sharif and Marufa Mithila / Energy Procedia 33 (2013) 343 – 354
2.2. Current scenario
Bangladesh has population of 163 million (or 29 million households) and a low electrification rate of
41% with 17 million households being off-grid. Of the off-grid population, a vast majority (89% or 15
million households) is concentrated in rural Bangladesh where the electrification rate dips to 28% (Fig.
2). A large segment of the on-grid population is also under-electrified, facing significant daily power
outages [4].
Fig. 2. Rural-urban Distribution of Off-grid households in Bangladesh. Source: International Finance Corporation (IFC) on
February, 2012
Solar PV dissemination was first started in 1998 by Rural Electrification Board (REB), Local
Government Engineering Department (LGED), and then Infrastructure Development Company Limited
(IDCOL) entered into the market in 2003 (Fig. 3). Power generation from renewable energy in
Bangladesh was only 20 MW three years back as against 70MW of electricity now being produced from
SHSs alone. About 98% of the present total SHSs in the country was contributed by IDCOL. Since
IDCOL entered into the program, the number of SHS were 11,745 in the year 2003, now the total is
1,655,832 in 2012.
Fig. 3. A snapshot of PV dissemination in Bangladesh. (Source: REIN, Bangladesh)
1. Rural Electrification
Board (REB)
Started from 1993
Number of Installation:
Solar electricity
provided to 4220 rural
houses by June 2007.
2. Local Government
Engineering Department
(LGED)
Started from 1998 to 2006
Number of Installation:
4500 direct and about
50,000 indirect
beneficiaries.
3. Infrastructure
Development Company
Limited (IDCOL)
From 2003 until present
Partner Organisation: 30
Number of Installation: A total
of 1,655,832 (Aug 2012).
4. Grameen Shakti (GS)
From 1996 until present
Collaboration: Partner
Organisation of IDCOL
Number of Installation:
5, 18,210.
5. Islam Sharif and Marufa Mithila / Energy Procedia 33 (2013) 343 – 354 347
3. Analysis of solar PV program in Bangladesh
3.1. Technical design and sizing
Komatsu et al. [5] observes that household income and kerosene consumption to be the essential
factors behind the selection of particular SHS size by households in Bangladesh. Most SHS disseminated
in the region are in the capacity range of 37-75 Wp, the most common being 50 Wp systems. The solar PV
program appears to have better success rate (in terms of system functionality) in Bangladesh, where
quality standards have been ensured for PV panels, batteries and other components as approved by the
technical standards committees.
3.2. Common PV use in Bangladesh
The commonly used solar PV in rural areas are:
Solar home systems (SHSs)
Solar lanterns
Street lighting systems
Solar PV water pumping system
Solar mini grids etc.
A typical SHS model: Solar panel, battery, charge controller, CFL (Compact Fluorescent Light) etc.
3.3. Comparative a
Infrastructure Development Company Limited (IDCOL) is a government-owned financial institution
mandate to promote private sector financing in infrastructure and RE sector. The objective of the SHS
program is to fulfil the basic electricity requirements in the rural areas of Bangladesh as well as
supplement the g
Fig. 4. A Typical Solar Home System (SHS)
6. 348 Islam Sharif and Marufa Mithila / Energy Procedia 33 (2013) 343 – 354
Starting in 2003, over 1,655,832 Solar Home System (SHS) have been installed all over Bangladesh by
August 2012. IDCOL has a target of financing 4 million SHS in off-ff grid rural areas of the country, with
an estimated generation of 200 MW of electricity by 2015.
SHS program overview
1. A total of 30 Partner Organizations (PO) of
IDCOL install solar home systems at
consumer households levels
2. PO makes electronic disbursement request
to IDCOL for refinance and grants, as
applicable
3. IDCOL conducts physical verification of
the installed SHSs and Technical Standards
Committee (TSC) sets forth technical
standard for the SHS equipment and
approve solar equipment
4. IDCOL claims the funds used for financing
from the World Bank, ADB, or IDB, and
the grant from GPOBA, KfW and GIZ.
Fig. 5. The output based SHS Scheme [6]. Source: Zubair K.M Sadeque, World Bank, April 2012; and IDCOL presentation,
DIREC 2010; Intellecap Estimation and Analysis.
Fig. 6. (Top) SHS installations from 2003 2012, IDCOL; (Bottom) Cumulative number of targeted SHS installations till
2014 [4].
7. Islam Sharif and Marufa Mithila / Energy Procedia 33 (2013) 343 – 354 349
3.4. IDCOL performance: At a glance
The number of Partner Organisations (POs) has risen from 5 to 30 from 2002-2012. Of all the POs,
Grameen Shakti (GS) is the most prominent one, accounting for 64% of the SHS installations so far (Fig.
7) [4].
Salient Features of IDCOL SHS
Commencement: January 2003
Unit price range: BDT 18,000-65,000
Average price: BDT 28,771
Construction Time: 2 hours
Grant/unit: BDT 3,500
Refinancing/unit: Up to EUR 176
Retention/unit: No retention
Loan Tenor: 10 years
Grace period: 2 years
Payment Frequency: Semi-annually
IDCOL Fee/unit: EUR 9.85
Interest/service charge: 12% 15%
4. Financing structure of SHS
Study of a single case of 50 Wp system
For the SHS, the program leverages financing from the households, the Participating Organisations
(POs), grant and credit support from various development partners through IDCOL. The financing
structure of a 50 Wp system is depicted here for illustration (Fig. 8).
Cash Sale: Buy down grant only, Credit Sale: Buy down grant and Refinance
SHS cost USD 380 Financing terms of loans from PO to household
System buy-down Grant A:EU 30 USD 38.40 Loan (BDT) USD 290.36
Remaining Cost USD 341.6 Loan duration 3 years
Household Down payment (15%) USD 51.24 Total Interest charge (12% p.a. flat) USD 104.53
Credit to customer (BDT) Total household payment USD 394.89
IDCOL refinance (80%) USD 232.29 Monthly household Instalments USD 10.97
PO Contribution (20% of loan amount) USD 58.07
Fig. 8. Financing Structure of a 50 Wp SHS System (Source: IDCOL).
USD 290.36
Fig. 7. Cumulative Sales of Selective POs of IDCOL
Source: Overview of the policies - Bangladesh (RENDEV), IDCOL SHS
model,financial model design- Bangladesh (RENDEV), Intellecap analysis.
8. 350 Islam Sharif and Marufa Mithila / Energy Procedia 33 (2013) 343 – 354
5. Success stories of Bangladesh
A. Panchua Village: Professional researchers from Bangladesh Centre for Advanced Studies (BCAS)
used these surveys to conduct in-depth interviews with 100 randomly selected households in Panchua
Village, Kapasia Upazila, Gazipur district. Sixty of the households interviewed owned a SHS; the
remaining 40 households did not. Panchua Village has a population of 4,959 spread across 1,042
households and 1,267 acres (BBS 2006). The average household size of 4.76 people and literacy rate of
37.24% are slightly lower than the rural national averages of 4.9 and 54%, respectively. The size of the
SHS owned by households interviewed in Panchua Village is similar to the breakdown of the 320,000
SHS sold under the Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Development (RERED) Program from
2003-2008. This study suggests that the similarities between the households surveyed in Panchua Village
and national averages make the analysis a good starting point from which to explore the SHS sector in
Bangladesh [7].
Fig. 10. Comparative breakdown of SHS size in Panchua Village and across Bangladesh.
Fig. 9. Breakdown of SHS owners by organisation and geographical location of Panchua Village.
9. Islam Sharif and Marufa Mithila / Energy Procedia 33 (2013) 343 – 354 351
B. A fewff case studies: How SHS has improved quality of life for project beneficiaries:
Mujib, a 32 year-old shopkeeper, has seen his income increased by 1,000 Tk/month and his
evening business grows since his system was installed two years ago. Customers enjoy the TV and
the music from the CD player powered by the SHS. Previously, he used candles and kerosene for
lighting. The price of kerosene kept rising, he suffered from bouts of bronchitis because of the fumes,
and suppliers would sometimes adulterate the kerosene with petrol. The SHS eliminated those
problems for him.
Since Hajra, a mother of four, received the SHS two years ago, she has been able to power five
lights, a TV, and a mobile phone charger. Previously, she used kerosene, and still remembers the
fumes that filled her house. Now her children can study in the evenings and she can charge her
mobile phone to keep in touch with her husband, a labourer in southwest Asia.
Mustafa, who owns a barber shop, used to borrow power from his neighbou
paid 200Tk/month but had no control over how much power he would receive, for how long, or
when. The SHS, installed 13 months ago, has changed his quality of life and his business for the
better. His hours are flexible, and he can close the shop as late as 9 pm [6].
Fig. 11. Success story of Bangladesh using Solar Home System Program. (Source: The World Bank,k IDCOL)L
10. 352 Islam Sharif and Marufa Mithila / Energy Procedia 33 (2013) 343 – 354
6. SHS product features and prices
As shown in the Fig. 12, around 80-85% of the overall sales of SHS are in the range of 20-85 Wp,
where 50 Wp systems accounting for an estimated 35% of all sales in Bangladesh [8].
6.1. Cost benefit ratio
A survey in Pirojpur suggested that people who used kerosene lamps had to spend Tk 150 per month,
Tk 1,800 per year and Tk 36,000 in 20 years, which is much higher than Tk 20,000 installation cost for a
50 watt-peak solar system. The system saves cost and prevents smoke emission while meeting demand
for light at night. It also allows users to perform economic activities that were not possible with the
kerosene lamps (Ref: IDCOL).
7. Subsidies issues and future insights
7.1. Reducing subsidies
The need for subsidies to build market volume on the premise that costs will decline as volume
increases, due to economies of scale. Primary research with POs of IDCOL suggests that a complete
phasing out of the grant subsidy will not affect growth, as it would result in an effective increase of just
around USD 1 in monthly repayments. Subsidies can undermine private investments, business in new
markets and should be applied with attention to private-sector conditions in a particular market. IDCOL
has already reduced the subsidy from US$ 90 per unit of SHS to US$ 25, and it has a plan to completely
withdraw it within a short time (Fig. 13). ems would be
USD 144 million. The market value of the total SHS, including ones installed by other vendors, would be
around USD 200 million annually, showing the interest of the users.
Fig. 12. (Left) SHS package in market; (Right) Mapping of product features and prices of SHS in Bangladesh. Source: IDCOL and
Primary Research, Intellecap analysis.
Capacity Total Load Operating
Hour
Cost
(USD)
20Wp Lamp: 2 (5W each)
Mobile Charger: 1
4-5 hours 140
50Wp Lamp: 4 (7W each)
Black & White TV: 1
Mobile Charger: 1
4-5 hours 380
85Wp Lamp: 9 (7W each)
Black & White TV: 1
Mobile Charger: 1
4-5 hours 580
130Wp Lamp: 11 (7W each )
Black & White TV: 1
Mobile Charger: 1
4-5 hours 940
11. Islam Sharif and Marufa Mithila / Energy Procedia 33 (2013) 343 – 354 353
Lesson learnt about reducing subsidies from SHS Program in Bangladesh:
(a) Subsidies are unlikely to lead to sustainable markets unless they explicitly create the conditions
whereby they are no longer needed (i.e., smart subsidies)
(b) Subsidies can be used effectively to build up initial market volume, local expertise, user
awareness, appropriate technology adaptation, quality standards, and entrepreneurial activities
(c) Subsidies are more effective when tied to operating performance rather than investment
(d) Continuing subsidies may always be needed for poorer segments of the population.
Thus, the elimination of capital buy down grant is not expected to affect the market growth as it will bett
offset by corresponding reduction in the cost of the systems due to the decreasing trend in component
prices. However, low cost refinance facilities/ SMEs funds will be required.
7.2. Future insights of PV market in Bangladesh
The future approachingff of PV market in Bangladesh would be to create and establish a sustainable
commercial SHS market without capital buy down grant. The idea of the program would be to build a
commercial SHS program utilising successful experience of IDCOL SHS model all over the country.
Also designing and developing a commercially viable SHS program both in off grid and urban areas by
integrating private sector companies, commercial lenders, vendors/suppliers and technical partners
targeting to mitigate the electricity crisis in Bangladesh.
8. Implementation challenges
Solar PV is recognised as serving a niche market that is very important in developing countries like us.
There are vigorous efforts to expand the market for Solar Home Systems (SHS) as a means toward rural
electrification.
Fig. 13. Subsidies provided and the cumulative growth of SHS installed.
Source: Primary research, IDCOL, Intellecap analysis
12. 354 Islam Sharif and Marufa Mithila / Energy Procedia 33 (2013) 343 – 354
Challenges IDCOL Solar Program
Lack of capacity equipped to develop private sector i.e MFI, NGOs
grass-root level are working as the executing agencies
Adequate financial supports provided by donor agencies
Lack of tailored financing
package
Capital Buy-down Grant channeled to reduce system price
Institutional development Grant and Grant B do not exists.
High initial cost of solar
equipment
Capital Buy-down Grant reduces system price;
Systems are also sold on credit to households to ensure affordability;
Lack of business model A social enterprise model is used for implementation
Presence of multiple POs in the program
A phase-reduction nature of grant is used
9. Conclusion
The solar energy project of IDCOL is a collaborative effort where strengths of each participating
institution have been harnessed to the fullest extent. Once completed, the combined capacity of the SHSs
will be 225 megawatts, sufficient to fully serve 20 million homes, which is about 12.5 percent of the
country's 163 million population.
The government set a target to generate 500 megawatts of green energy, in an attempt to narrow the
gap between current demand and supply of grid electricity. Some important issues should be strongly
emphasised in this case, i.e. good governance, standard technical specifications, strong regulatory
environment including penalties, reducing the subsidies and organisational structure to develop the
market. As we know, Bangladesh SHS installations has already experienced explosive growth and created
a $200 million PV market, thus, this case also could be replicated and launched in other parts of Asia to
bolster the PV market.
References
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Development (P071794), Sequence 22 (English), The World Bank (Page- 2), June 2012.
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(M.Sc.- Thesis). SESAM Sustainable Energy Systems and Management, International Institute of
Management, University of Flensburg, Germany, March 2005.
[4] -Grid
Lighting, Market analysis of: India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan, Indonesia, Cambodia and Phi
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[8] IDCOL (Infrastructure Development Company Limited)
at: Retrieved November 10, 2008, from http://www.idcol.org/energyProject.php