Access to Solar Energy for Livelihood Security in Odisha, India

Fossil fuel-based energy generation contributes to increased greenhouse gas emissions, leading to climate change in both developed and developing countries such as the USA, China, India, Indonesia, and Bangladesh. In India, around 200 million people are deprived of a clean power supply by 2021, highly in hilly and rural locations of the country. The above issues can be mitigated by clean and affordable electricity access for the development of livelihood in the state of Odisha, India. In this present research, a few major off-grid systems such as photovoltaic lighting systems and water pumps have been designed and implemented in urban and rural locations of Odisha to enhance the livelihood security of the people. In a mini solar street light, a 20 Wp polycrystalline solar panel has been used to charge a 12 V 10 Ah Li-ion battery in 6–7 sunny hours and can run a 12 V 9 W LED light up to 10 h per a day. Further, the efficient design and access of different off-grid systems will fulfill the renewable energy targets in the country. This prospect will help both academia and industry experts in the research and development of eco-friendly solar off-grid systems worldwide.