Chandrajita Chakraborty
final year student of Master of Science (Renewable Energy and Environment) School of Engineering and Technology, IGNOU, New Delhi.
Shweta Tripathi
Assistant Professor, Mechanical Engineering at SOET, IGNOU, New Delhi.
Ashish Agarwal
Professor, Mechanical Engineering at School of Engineering & Technology Indira Gandhi National Open University New Delhi India
Shashank Srivastava
Assistant Professor, Mechanical Engineering at School of Engineering and Technology, IGNOU, New Delhi
Abstract
Countries across the world are alarmed and holding talks on ways to transition to a renewable energy source, becoming the leader in the energy sector. From big industries to agriculture purposes, renewable energy sources are emerging as a need of the hour. Focusing on renewable energy sources have emerged as a solution to providing energy to remote areas where conventional form of energy failed to assist. This study was conducted on a small village of Tripura which experienced electricity for the first time when a 2kW power output micro-grid solar power plant was installed in this area. An open-ended survey method was used to gather information from the villagers on the socio-economic changes that followed after the installation of the solar plant. A remarkable change was seen in the livelihood of villagers which was credited to the solar energy plant that was now used for all major energyrequiring purposes like water heating, occupational purposes, and illumination. It increased quality of life and satisfaction of the people. This solar project provided electricity to a remote village, enhancing its socio-economic structure and market access. It uplifts UN-SDG goals and serves as a model for similar locations needing renewable energy intervention.
Keywords- Socio-economic, Solar Energy, Rural Electrification, Sustainable Development