TECHNO-ECONOMIC CHALLENGES IN IMPLEMENTATION OF SOLAR EQUIPMENT BASED ON A STAND-ALONE MICROGRID IN HILLY TERRAINS OF RURAL INDIA.

Rural electrification is an essential requirement for improving the lives of people and improving their image among the international community. To install photovoltaic (PV) panels in isolated regions according to the government plans and regulations, solar-based microgrids are the best solution. However, there are several components required for installing and operating the microgrid, including its location of the microgrid. The present paper made an effort to explore the challenges encountered in installing solar-based microgrids, especially in hilly terrains of rural India. The review highlighted the varied technical difficulties including the stability, reliability, power imbalance, control and operation. Besides, the discussion on the stand-alone models of a microgrid along with its advantages, also been highlighted. Further, government initiatives like subsidies and funding for rural electrification also been presented. As a case study, two microgrids in India, one at Ladakh and one at west Bengal are presented. These case studies bring out the challenges faced during the rural electrification, and strategies adopted to overcome are given for the future scope. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]