Social Impacts of Solar Home Systems in Rural Areas: A Case Study in Bangladesh

Abstract

Abstract:As an alternative source of off-grid electric power, solar home systems (SHS) stand out above all other options (e.g., wind, hydro, geo-thermal, tidal systems) because of their wide-scale potential at latitudes less than 45 • north or south of the Equator where daily solar irradiance is more constant throughout the year and where the bulk of the Third World's population live. A questionnaire-based survey study was carried out in a rural area of Bangladesh to ascertain the impacts of SHSs on the lives of the rural population. The installation of an SHS was found to improve the comfort and living standard of rural dwellers. Easier access to TV, radio, cellphone, and the Internet helped the rural population become part of a more global culture. More attractive down-payment and installment package options will allow poor target groups to adopt this system. The standard of SHS components and after-sales service should be improved to ensure sustainably and popularity among the mass population for at least 10 years at minimal cost to the consumer. Our findings can also help policymakers adopt more SHS-friendly policies to further the interests of inhabitants of rural areas that are not connected to the grid.

Development of Renewable Energy Sources in the Context of Threats Resulting from Low-Altitude Emissions in Rural Areas in Poland: A Review

“…Reducing emissions of among others, gas emissions from agriculture requires the introduction of innovative techniques and tools to increase the efficiency of agricultural production and waste from livestock and crop residues. The condition for the development of low-carbon economy in agriculture is smart growth based on knowledge and innovation [74][75][76]. This necessarily requires, among others, the use of innovative means of agricultural production with relatively low environmental pressures (including bio-fertilizers and bio-pesticides), the implementation of the principles of precision farming, the development of low-carbon energy sources on farms (e.g., biogas plants), the use in crop rotation of the ones with a positive rate of reproduction of soil organic matter, adding to the feed preparations binding nitrogen compounds.…”

Community Media To Diffuse Sustainable Energy Products: Perceived Effectivenss

“…The country can only ensure energy security for its rapidly growing population through enhancing access to sustainable energy (Barua, 2017). In Bangladesh, about 70% people live in the rural areas, and just 42% have access to the national grid (Kabir, Kim & Szulejko, 2017). The country is facing energy shortages due to its http: //dx.doi.org/10.15405/epsbs.2018.05.89 Corresponding Author: Md Shahzalal Selection and peer-review under responsibility of the Organizing Committee of the conference eISSN: 2357-1330 1129 dependency on natural gas (however, reserves are now on the verge of depletion) based power stations (Hoque & Das, 2013).…”

Bottom-Up Electrification Introducing New Smart Grids Architecture—Concept Based on Feasibility Studies Conducted in Rwanda

“…To date, off-grid renewable-based systems have presented the most viable means of achieving "energy for all" [4], providing access to 360 million people around the globe [5]. As a result, for the last eight years, people previously relying on kerosene lamps for lighting have been given a chance to use stand-alone systems (not connected to the national network) [6] and pay for them on a monthly basis, instead of covering significant upfront costs.…”