Towards Developing an Effective Energy Management System for Decentralized Solar Mini-grids in a Remote Location in India—A Case Study

The study assesses the impact of the off-grid solar plants installed in a remote region of Chhattisgarh state of India in providing access to energy to its vast tribal population. The study analyzes two 3 kWp and 4.8 kWp off-grid solar plants in Rawan village out of 867 such solarized villages installed under the solar mini-grid project in the state. The results of the analysis of the 3 kWp and 4.8 kWp plants show that the estimated monthly energy generation is 316.25 kWh and 352.2 kWh with plant load factors as 0.61 and 0.88, whereas the actual monthly consumption by the users, is 194.33 kWh and 310.83 kWh, respectively. The study identifies the interventions required in the implementation of the rural energy programme in the region considering the socio-economic aspirations in the region. The result of the study identifies solar plant design, efficient energy utilization, upgradation of the technology, and non-consideration of socio-cultural practices as the key factors hindering the effective management of solar mini-grids in this challenging geographical region. The corrective measures are recommended to further strengthen the efforts of the government. The results of the case study demonstrate how efficient energy management of existing solar mini-grid infrastructure can significantly enhance community development and provide energy access to rural populations irrespective of locational disadvantages.