Why do developing countries need solar energy?
Electricity supply is one of the basic needs of modern development, but reliable electricity supply is still lacking in many developing countries, especially in rural areas. The problem is particularly acute in these areas, where population density is low and the infrastructure needed to expand the national grid is costly and impractical. In these areas, solar energy offers a transformative solution.
 
Solar energy is a clean, renewable and abundant resource, and many developing countries, especially those located in tropical regions, have access to abundant sunlight throughout the year, making solar energy a very viable and sustainable option. Unlike traditional fossil fuel power generation, solar systems can be deployed to remote areas without expensive infrastructure or long-distance transmission lines. Solar power is typically distributed, meaning that each household or community can produce and use its own electricity, eliminating the high cost of expanding the grid.
 
For developing countries, solar energy can provide an affordable and environmentally friendly alternative source of energy. With the right policies and investment support, solar systems can promote rural electrification, stimulate local economies, and help address broader issues such as energy access, poverty, and climate change.
 
Characteristics of solar energy projects in developing countries
Solar projects in developing countries often have a number of unique characteristics that make them particularly suitable for rural electrification:
 
Decentralized energy solutions: A key feature of solar energy in developing countries is its decentralized nature. Unlike large centralized power plants that require complex transmission infrastructure, solar systems can be installed on a smaller scale, close to the point of electricity consumption. This makes solar energy particularly suitable for rural areas where it is not possible to economically expand the national grid. In many cases, solar energy is deployed in the form of solar home systems (SHS) or small community solar microgrids to provide electricity to entire villages or communities.
 
Off-grid and microgrid systems: In many remote areas, rural households in developing countries are not connected to the national grid. Solar projects often focus on providing off-grid or microgrid solutions, which are independent, localized power systems. Off-grid solar systems typically consist of small solar panels, batteries, and inverters that are capable of providing a home with basic power needs such as lighting, cell phone charging, and small appliance use. Microgrids, on the other hand, connect multiple homes or public facilities to provide more large-scale power support for public services such as schools and medical clinics.
 
Community involvement: Solar projects in developing countries often emphasize community participation and empowerment. When local communities are involved in the design, installation and maintenance of solar systems, the success rate and sustainability of projects are significantly improved. By involving local residents, solar projects not only create skills development and employment opportunities, but also foster a sense of ownership and responsibility for the system.
 
Focus on affordability and scalability: Solar projects in developing countries are often designed to be both economical and scalable. Many solar systems have a modular design, which means they can be expanded or upgraded as needed. This gives the solar system the flexibility to adjust to changes in energy demand and budgets. Governments, ngos, and the private sector often work together to provide financial support to low-income households, such as microloans, subsidies, or pay-as-you-go (PAYG) models that enable households to purchase solar systems in small installments.
 
The economic benefits of solar energy systems for developing countries
Solar energy brings many economic benefits to developing countries, especially in rural areas. Here are just a few of the main ways solar energy can boost economic growth:
 
Lower energy costs: One of the major economic advantages of solar energy is its ability to significantly reduce energy costs. In many developing countries, people in rural areas rely on expensive and polluting energy sources such as kerosene for lighting and diesel generators to power them. Solar energy costs less over the long term and has almost no operating costs. By replacing kerosene lamps with solar lighting, households can save money on energy bills and reduce health risks from indoor air pollution.
 
Job creation and skills development: Solar projects can create a large number of jobs for various industries. The installation, operation and maintenance of solar systems require a large skilled workforce, which provides employment opportunities for local residents. In addition, many local businesses can open solar-related businesses, such as selling solar products, offering installation services, or managing community solar projects. Through these new jobs, the local economy is further stimulated.
 
Improving access to education and health: A reliable electricity supply is essential for education and health services. The solar system can extend the school opening time and provide students with better learning conditions, especially at night when there is no sunlight. For remote medical clinics, solar-powered lighting, refrigerators and medical equipment ensure that basic medical services can be provided even when the power is out or at night. With the improvement of education and medical conditions, the productivity of the community is increased, which in turn drives the socio-economic development of the country.
 
Increased productivity and entrepreneurial opportunities: In rural areas, the lack of reliable electricity has limited many business and agricultural activities. Solar systems can provide these businesses with a stable power supply, allowing them to operate longer and use modern equipment. This will significantly increase productivity, increase incomes and create new opportunities for entrepreneurs in sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing and services.
 
Examples of solar projects in developing countries
Kenya's Solar Home System (SHS) Project: Kenya has made remarkable achievements in the application of solar energy, especially in the implementation of solar home systems (SHS) **. The project provides affordable solar solutions to off-grid homes in remote areas, enabling them to power lighting, mobile phone charging and small appliances. Currently, more than 1.5 million households in Kenya have benefited from the project, which has significantly reduced kerosene use and improved the quality of life for families. The project also created a number of jobs in the solar industry, including system installation, maintenance and sales.
 
India's Saubhagya Scheme: India's ** Pudamantri Sa Hajibbiji Hagyoga (Saubhagya Scheme) ** aims to provide electricity to all households, especially rural households in remote areas. Many off-grid areas get their electricity through solar microgrids, which not only provide clean, economical electricity, but also provide local businesses with longer operating hours and help boost productivity. The program not only improves the quality of life for rural residents, but also creates jobs in the solar industry.
 
Solar Home System Project in Bangladesh: Bangladesh has one of the largest off-grid solar projects in the world. The government has installed more than 4 million solar home systems in rural areas, significantly boosting electricity supply. These systems are not only affordable, but have been integrated with local distribution networks, enabling rural communities to enjoy a reliable supply of electricity. The success of the project has contributed to economic growth, improved living standards, and better access to education and health care for rural residents.

Solar energy offers a powerful tool for electrification and economic development in developing countries, especially in rural areas. By providing an affordable, sustainable and reliable electricity supply, solar systems can transform the lives of local residents, reduce poverty and drive long-term economic growth. Whether through distributed solar home systems or community-level solar microgrids, solar energy offers rural communities access to energy. With the continuous advancement of technology and the further reduction of costs, solar energy will play an increasingly important role in the process of driving socio-economic development in developing countries.