Decentralized solar microgrids offer a promising pathway toward equitable and climate-resilient energy systems in rural India. Drawing inspiration from Bangladesh’s successful implementation of solar home systems—where individual households are equipped with rooftop solar panels and connected through small-scale electricity-sharing networks—this model reimagines energy access as a locally managed, sustainable infrastructure. In the Indian context, where millions still lack reliable power and many rural areas remain underserved by the central grid, such a bottom-up approach could simultaneously address development needs and climate mitigation goals.
This project explores the viability and impact of adopting community-driven solar microgrids across low-access, high-solar-potential regions of India. Through geospatial analysis and data visualization, it aims to identify key regions suited for decentralized solar adoption and estimate potential benefits, including emission reductions, energy resilience, and improvements in local livelihoods. Beyond technical feasibility, the study emphasizes the importance of community ownership, decentralized governance, and the integration of local knowledge in shaping sustainable energy futures. By reframing rural electrification as a climate solution rooted in empowerment rather than dependency, this work contributes to a broader vision of climate justice and participatory transformation.
Prof. Dr. Michael Brüggemann: “very interesting idea: I would be interested, how can e.g. poor farmers in India (or in Bangladesh, where it has apperently been done) afford solar panels? How did it work in Bangladesh? Why is it not applied in India already? Even if there are barriers for the implementation of the idea, how could these barriers be overcome?”
In Bangladesh a or in India, solar panel can be given to poor people through government subsidy and programs only. in Bangladesh, The Solar Home Systems (SHS) program, initiated in 2003 by the Infrastructure Development Company Limited (IDCOL), provided over 4 million solar home systems to rural households. This was achieved through a combination of subsidies and microfinancing.
In india, The Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana (PM-SGMBY), launched in 2024, offers substantial subsidies for rooftop solar installations. Households below the poverty line can receive up to 60% subsidy for systems up to 2 kW capacity and 40% for systems between 2 to 3 kW.
I want to implement something like SHS in India, and already existing PM-SGMBY can help decentralized Solar grids in very rural places which are dethatched from major power grids
Dear Gokul,
This seems to me a very good example of a concrete step into desirable climate futures. I would encourage you to make an even more explicit connection to the overarching question, i.e., “What are – or could be – our key contributions to researching and shaping climate futures?” So, what is the research aspect? and what is the shaping aspect (this one I can see more clearly thant the former one)?
Good success with your poster!
Dear Professor,
I believe the shaping aspects of this idea are already quite clear, through this approach, we are advocating for bottom-up energy solutions that are climate-friendly and socially inclusive. It demonstrates how clean energy transitions can be community-led and rooted in rural realities, while also offering a vision of climate action that empowers local governance and moves away from top-down dependency.
Where I need to develop further is the researching aspect of climate futures. I aim to investigate where, why, and how such decentralized solar solutions can be most effective. Hopefully, I’ll be able to find sufficient data for India to identify the regions where this model has the highest potential, both in terms of technical feasibility and social impact.