Mucao Village Solar Power Generation Base

Does village-scale solar power supply exist in India?

We analyze and synthesize the long-term experiences with three different systems for village-scale solar power supply in India, Senegal and Kenya. Since this scale of electricity provision forms part of village infrastructure, it requires particular types of knowledge, policies and support mechanisms.

Are village-level solar power systems relevant?

The empirical case studies of village-level solar power systems in India, Kenya and Senegal were each chosen because of features that make them particularly relevant for future activities on village scale solar systems.

How do village committees promote solar adoption?

There are three modes for village committees to promote solar adoption: non-intervention, partial intervention, and full intervention. Generally, government-involved adoption can give households more external support, including information, supply chain, maintenance service, etc.

Do villagers have a role in photovoltaic negotiations?

From a procedural justice standpoint, the village committee acts as an agent negotiating with photovoltaic enterprises while villagers participate limitedly (e.g., voting at meetings). Regarding pricing roof resources and determining cooperation specifics, villagers’ absence in negotiations diminishes the fairness of the process.

Are village-scale electricity systems economically sustainable?

Economic sustainability was a more difficult target. It is common to expect village-scale electricity systems to be able to sustain themselves economically and give a surplus for expansion , , , , but this was not realized in the three cases.

Can village scale solar power supply be sustainable?

Our cases demonstrate that a variety of sustainable, technical and organizational solutions for village scale solar power supply is possible. However, these conditions do not automatically lead to delivery models that are well adapted to the local contexts.