Energy poverty and perceptions of solar power in marginalized communities: Survey evidence from Uttar Pradesh, India

Johannes Urpelainen

Renewable Energy, 2016, vol. 85, issue C, 534-539

Abstract: The decreased cost of solar electricity generation has given a boost to rural energy markets, but most off-grid businesses remain small. A larger customer base is a precondition for business expansion and access to finance. This article reports findings from a large survey focused on energy access in unelectrified habitations in the Barabanki district of Uttar Pradesh, India. While most villagers are dissatisfied with their kerosene lighting and the median monthly expense for this fuel is 100 rupees (USD ∼ 1.66), the data analysis also indicates that there is little trust in local companies and a large number of villagers prefer government leadership in electricity supply. These findings suggest that solar entrepreneurs must do more to demonstrate the quality of their products and services to villagers to expand their customer base.

Keywords: India; Energy poverty; Energy access; Solar power; Renewable energy; Off-grid rural electrification (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2016
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (24)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:renene:v:85:y:2016:i:c:p:534-539

DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2015.07.001

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