Author(s): Neha Makol, Dr. Puja Gupta, Dr. Meenakshi Mital and Matt Syal

Abstract:
Rural electrification has been the cornerstone of the government’s policies. India, being one of the fastest growing economy, realised that the rapid increase in electricity demands will need cleaner energy solution. India has been ranked 3rd for solar energy development in the Renewable Energy Country Attractiveness Index due to its geographical location, average temperature and policy environment (EY, 2019). Innovative off-grid solar technologies like solar home systems have found a huge market in the country since 2000s. Backed by strong policy support, solar home systems have been widely adopted by rural people for their basic lighting and electricity needs. This paper attempts to look at the initiatives taken by the government to increase the adoption of solar home systems for rural electrification and its challenges.