Electrification of remote rural communities in the Himalayas through solar-hydro hybrid power projects

The Himalayan region of India has very low levels of per capita energy consumption. Since population density is low, and terrain difficult to negotiate, even grid-connected villages have to often go without electricity. A number of stand-alone small hydro and PV systems have been installed, but do not live up to their projected capacities because of the climatic conditions. The authors suggest a solar-hydro hybrid system to exploit the synergy between the two systems. A case study of one such proposed system is also presented.