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For a planner of decentralized renewable energy systems with micro-grids, an accurate load prediction is imperative for proper sizing of the system. For an accurate load projection, the following questions need to be answered: How many households actually get connected to the micro-grid? How much electricity do they actually use? What factors affect their consumption level? How does their consumption level change over time? In this study, an attempt has been made to identify answers to these questions by looking into one of the PV micro-grid rural electrification projects in Sundarban area of West Bengal, India. It is found that the number of beneficiary households has been on increasing trends indicating existence of large potential demands. The monthly electricity consumption of the average household is turned out to be within the range of 0.42–0.66 kW h/day thus not showing any trend of increase over time. In order to identify factors that affect consumption level, a regression model has been developed with two explanatory variables, namely, the total number of connections and the average ambient temperature during supply hours (night). Application of the model would be effective in predicting additional load requirement in case grid extension is planned under the same project to accommodate potential demands. Results of this study would also be applicable to optimization of expansion process of micro-grid systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Development and dissemination of solar energy technologies in India has been aided by a variety of policy and support measures. One of the promotional measures is the provision of financial and fiscal incentives such as capital subsidy, low interest loan and accelerated depreciation related income tax benefits to the users on the purchase of solar energy technologies. In this study an attempt has been made to determine the effective capital cost of solar energy technologies to the user with the provision of financial and/or fiscal incentives. Results of exemplifying calculations for a domestic and an industrial solar water heating system, a solar home lighting system and a solar drying system have been presented and discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]