A review on the sustainability of solar home system for rural electrification

¹ James Watt School of Engineering, University of Glasgow, United Kingdom
² Adam Smith Business School, University of Glasgow, United Kingdom
³ SEMWaves Ltd, United Kingdom
⁴ J&C Impex Ltd, Bangladesh
⁵ Chittagong University of Engineering and Technology, Bangladesh

^* Corresponding author: chong.li@glasgow.ac.uk

Abstract

For the past 20 years, the solar home system (SHS) has been the dominant means of facilitating energy access for the poorest members of rural communities in the developing world. On paper, SHSs appear to be a sound solution to the difficulties in providing affordable and stable electricity to those likely to be left behind by other approaches. Indeed, evidence to date suggests that use of SHSs has accelerated the global electrification rate. However, there is mounting evidence that the long-term success rate of these systems and their effect on recipient communities is incredibly varied. Prompted by the results of a survey that uncovered widespread negative experiences amongst SHS users in rural Bangladesh, this study presents the results of a systematic literature review into the existing case studies of global SHS deployments. The search terms and websites used are presented clearly alongside the criteria used to filter results. Having identified a lack of long-term case studies the papers obtained are used to extract insights on the evolving strategy of SHS distribution, the mechanisms of SHS failure and crisis posed therein, and the most exciting areas of research for ensuring that when communities become electrified in future, they stay so. A three-element framework is offered for understanding SHS sustainability; community engagement, affordability, and appropriate maintenance infrastructure.