Solar lighting for rural households: A case of innovative model in Bihar, India

Though conventional grid extension has been the predominant mode of electrification in the country, there have been several initiatives and policy support to rural electrification efforts through renewable energy means, particularly solar. This study evaluated a Solar Home System (SHS) project operational in one of the rural districts of Bihar, India and presents the analysis of technical, financial, and institutional aspects of project and its impacts. The study reveals that financial innovations, adopting standard processes, building local technical expertise, sensitization and training of all stakeholders are the key factors for enhancing the operational sustainability of rural renewable energy programs in India.