¹ Energy & Wetlands Research Group, Center for Ecological Sciences [CES], ² Centre for Sustainable Technologies (astra),
³ Centre for infrastructure, Sustainable Transportation and Urban Planning [CiSTUP], Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, Karnataka, 560 012, India

SOCIAL ASPECTS

While solar resource potential, techno-economic feasibility and organizational aspects play indispensible role, social acceptance gives the final verdict on the long term success of solar power generation. Awareness on the environmental and health benefits of solar energy is essential to mobilise solar technologies in the fuel-wood based grass-route economy of India [49]. The Government of India has taken initiatives for knowledge dissemination in the district level. Developing solar micro-grid systems in village level for meeting the electricity requirements of a cluster of families through financial support for energy service providers, proper fee-for-service models, and micro-finance for consumers could lead the way for decentralized rural electrification and management [50]. This successful strategy is testified in Sundarbans in the federal state of West Bengal where a 345 kWp SPV based SPP has been established for 1750 consumers [51]. A case study in Sagar Dweep island [52] extols the improvement in education, income generation, social life and health of the people benefited by decentralized solar electrification. While these experiences inspire us to move towards a solar economy, it is essential to expel selfish elements who influence the governance and the citizenry to continue in the unsustainable development track. A holistic approach involving the public, government, academia, media and international organizations need to be adopted to ensure social acceptance of solar power generation.