Evaluation of Solar Photovoltaic Programme in Six States of India
The MNRE had provided village residents in six states, namely Rajasthan, Haryana, Uttarakhand, Gujarat, Manipur and Karnataka, with solar technologies such as home lighting systems, water pumps, lanterns and street light systems. Evaluation done by IRADe for MNRE through the field visits focused on verification and collection of beneficiary level information regarding functioning and maintenance of the solar systems and satisfaction level of beneficiaries. Their lifestyles have changed gradually following work done under the scheme. The benefits accrued were increased working hours for useful tasks, increased study hours of children, decline in consumption of kerosene and decline in environmental accidents such as snake and insect bites. Beneficiaries have started using mobile phones, radios, telephones etc.