Solar Energy Education and Skill Development for Enhancing Quality of Life in Developing Countries
Abstract
Worldwide, around 1.1 billion people are without access to electricity and around 3 billion people use solid biomass for cooking, water heating and heating their homes. Majority of the developing countries of the world receive more than 5 kWh/m2 of global solar irradiation per day, which can be utilized for a variety of applications such as providing electricity, cooking, drying, water heating, space heating etc. Use of solar energy can provide pathways for social and economic development of communities without triggering climate change but it requires consistent growth and efforts in providing solar energy education and skill development. The paper discusses the inclusion of solar energy education at school level and in higher education, the solar awareness programs and establishing a skilled chain for installation, repair and maintenance of solar systems at regional/community level. It also discusses some of the initiatives being taken in India.