The need to electrify all rural areas in India is quite
compelling. However, the focus has now shifted from traditional
fuel-based systems to generate electricity to renewable sources for
energy generation. Though there are subsidies and policies that
encourage the use of solar Photovoltaic (PV) systems, there is a
need for an appropriate framework. This framework could not
only offer substantial directions but it would also act as grounds to
enhance rural electrification in India using solar PVs. From this
perspective, the current research attempts to structure an
innovative framework for solar PV system that could facilitate
rural electrification in India. In particular, the district of Damoh
in Madhya Pradesh was chosen as there are many villages without
electricity in this district. PVsyst software was utilized to simulate
the outcomes that included mathematical models and diverse
components based on PV, for simulation. Three designs were
developed to facilitate the simulation. These included; PVs linked
with microgrid devoid of battery, individual PV systems without
microgrid link and solar PVs linked to microgrid with battey. The
framework for rural electrification using solar PVs will offer
policy makers with insights with regards to implementing PV
systems. It will also offer inputs as to the feasibility of
implementing a specific system on several parameters. These
would comprise of; number of households within a village,
detached households etc. Nonetheless, research in future is also
warranted to explore the scope for other sources of renewable
energy.
Design and Implementation of Rural Electrification Framework using Photovoltaic