From lives to livelihoods, solar powers opportunity for Indian households

06 Feb 2020 Editorial Team

The Powering Opportunities in South Asia research funded by UK AID and conducted by Altai Consulting titled, surveyed 949 households in South Asia, primarily including rural customers from the Indian states of Assam and Uttar Pradesh.

It concluded that an overwhelming 94 per cent of the households surveyed reported an improvement to their quality of life after buying a solar home system, with a majority reporting positive impacts in the areas of safety (90 per cent) and education (66 per cent).

Customers also use their solar systems for income generating activities or to increase their working hours, resulting in increased earnings. Eleven per cent of households surveyed reported an increase in income levels by up to $66 per month on average thanks to their solar home system. A total of 12 per cent reported increased economic activity as they can work more or use their system for business. This increase in economic activity translated to 4FTE jobs created for every hundred units of solar home systems sold.

Viraj Gada, GOGLA’s India Regional Representative, said, “The Powering opportunities in South Asia report shows that, even with the impressive strides made by the Indian government to increase grid access, small-scale solar continues to have an important role for Indian households. Although a majority of customers are using their solar home systems as a back up to the central grid, the additional energy security and power the systems provide are boosting quality of life and unlocking economic opportunities for those in rural and remote areas.

He further added, “Given the huge potential for small scale solar to enhance the national electrification efforts, we urge the government to explore ways it can further support the off-grid solar industry, to help more people in rural areas to benefit from clean, affordable solar technology.”

Indian households with a solar home system (SHS) report significant improvements to their quality of life as people feel safer and their children have more time to study. Systems also provide big boosts to income for 1 in 10 owners, who are using their SHS to light and power businesses and to unlock more work hours. The findings are part of a new report published by GOGLA, the global association for the off-grid solar energy industry.The Powering Opportunities in South Asia research funded by UK AID and conducted by Altai Consulting titled, surveyed 949 households in South Asia, primarily including rural customers from the Indian states of Assam and Uttar Pradesh. It concluded that an overwhelming 94 per cent of the households surveyed reported an improvement to their quality of life after buying a solar home system, with a majority reporting positive impacts in the areas of safety (90 per cent) and education (66 per cent). Customers also use their solar systems for income generating activities or to increase their working hours, resulting in increased earnings. Eleven per cent of households surveyed reported an increase in income levels by up to $66 per month on average thanks to their solar home system. A total of 12 per cent reported increased economic activity as they can work more or use their system for business. This increase in economic activity translated to 4FTE jobs created for every hundred units of solar home systems sold.Viraj Gada, GOGLA’s India Regional Representative, said, “The Powering opportunities in South Asia report shows that, even with the impressive strides made by the Indian government to increase grid access, small-scale solar continues to have an important role for Indian households. Although a majority of customers are using their solar home systems as a back up to the central grid, the additional energy security and power the systems provide are boosting quality of life and unlocking economic opportunities for those in rural and remote areas.He further added, “Given the huge potential for small scale solar to enhance the national electrification efforts, we urge the government to explore ways it can further support the off-grid solar industry, to help more people in rural areas to benefit from clean, affordable solar technology.”

Infrastructure Transport

06 Feb 2026

Lucknow Metro East-West Corridor Consultancy Contract Awarded

The Uttar Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation has awarded the first construction-related consultancy contract for the Lucknow Metro East West Corridor to a joint venture of AYESA Ingenieria Arquitectura SAU and AYESA India Pvt Ltd. The firm was declared the lowest bidder for the Detailed Design Consultant contract for Lucknow Metro Line-2 under Phase 1B and the contract was recommended following the financial bid. The contract is valued at Rs 159.0 million (mn), covering design services for the corridor. Lucknow Metro Line-2 envisages the construction of an 11.165 kilometre corridor connecting Cha..

Infrastructure Urban

06 Feb 2026

Div Com Kashmir Urges Fast Tracking Of Jhelum Water Transport Project

The Divisional Commissioner of Kashmir has called for the fast-tracking of the Jhelum water transport project, urging district administrations and relevant agencies to accelerate planning and clearances. In a meeting convened at the divisional headquarters, the commissioner instructed officials from irrigation, public health engineering and municipal departments to prioritise the project and coordinate survey and design work. The directive emphasised removal of administrative bottlenecks and close monitoring to ensure timely mobilisation of resources and contractors. Officials were told to in..

Infrastructure Urban

06 Feb 2026

Interarch Reports Strong Q3 And Nine Month Results

Interarch Building Solutions Limited reported unaudited results for the third quarter and nine months ended 31 December 2025, recording strong revenue growth driven by execution and a robust order book. Net revenue for the third quarter rose by 43.7 per cent to Rs 5.225 billion (bn), compared with Rs 3.636 bn a year earlier, reflecting heightened demand in pre-engineered building projects. The company’s total order book as at 31 January 2026 stood at Rs 16.85 bn, supporting near-term visibility. EBITDA excluding other income for the quarter increased by 43.2 per cent to Rs 503 million (mn),..