MSS 499 TARGET

Parichay Thakore

Off-Grid Solar Power is considered one of the viable options for increasedcomplete
electrification of several regions in India which are not yet connected to a dependable grid. Both
the government and solar panel manufacturers have been aiming to cover those regions with
off-grid for rooftop solar systems. A tariff regime has been put in place by the government to
decrease the cost of panel manufacturing in India and subsidies have been launched, all to
make such installationssolar power more affordable. The World Bank has also launched an
initiative to finance solar electrification through PSU banks. DBut despite all these efforts, an
average off-grid system is still a huge one-time investment. in terms of expenses, This would
which may deter a large chunksignificant part of potential customers. Financing options are also
limited and customers are faced with suffer from limited availability of funds, disproportionate
collateral requirements and high interest rates. The remoteness of the targeted locations also
increase the logisticsal costs of performing maintenance and repair operations which are critical
to the life of the equipment. There is also a lack of knowledge and awareness about the
adoption and optimal usage of rooftop solar in manysome regions as well. The aim of this
project is to develop subsidy and financing plans and maintenance routines for both public and
private sector. players which lead to widespread proliferation of off-grid solar systems while also
being feasible for the agencies, keeping in mind the current challenges. This would be done by
gathering as much information as possible from various stakeholders about the present
scenario, future plans and first hand experiences. Basing on that, cost analysis would be
performed to find the optimal solution.