India Microgrids
India has one of the most robust microgrid markets for off-grid and grid-connected systems. Microgrids in India are deployed to fill in for an unreliable utility grid, reach new off-grid customers, save money, and reduce carbon emissions. Indians who could afford it have long used diesel generators to backup the utility grid, but are increasingly moving to microgrid options consisting of solar pv, and energy storage.
India’s aggressive electric vehicle targets should also contribute to microgrid growth as homes, campuses, and companies seek to ensure adequate electric supply to meet surging demand. The car batteries themselves can play a significant role in microgrid systems, storing solar energy for when it’s needed. The Indian government is planning on offering a ‘EV as a Service’ financial model to all citizens, putting the government in a position to possibly utilize EV batteries as a grid resource to meet national renewable targets.
Microgrids in India
In Karnataka, the SELCO Foundation has deployed solar-storage remote microgrids to provide energy access in Baikampady Mangalore, Neelakantarayanagaddi Village, Mendare Village, and Kalkeri Sangeet Vidyalaya. Each of these are DC microgrids.
The Indian Coast Guard operates a microgrid in Andaman Island. Dodgy power reliability was not acceptable for the Chief Ministers Official Residence in Bihar India, which has a 125 kW solar microgrid. In the village of Dharnai, Greenpeace has gone beyond activism to solar microgrid deployment.
India Microgrid News
Renewable Mini-grids Take Root in Rural India