Technical barriers and user challenges toward sustainable energy solutions in remote rural areas of Bangladesh

While numerous studies in the literature have explored the manifold social, economic, and environmental advantages of solar home systems (SHSs) worldwide, including in Bangladesh, a glaring gap exists regarding the issues faced by users of these systems. In particular, there has been a dearth of research focusing on problems associated with the SHS's components and installation procedures, especially in remote rural areas of developing nations where access to electricity is an essential need. Therefore, this study delves into the issues linked with the SHS's components, sourcing them from users and rural local markets in Hatiya, a secluded island in Bangladesh. The investigation uncovered a significant concern: the majority of low-cost components did not meet established quality standards. For instance, the high voltage disconnect (HVD) and low voltage disconnect (LVD) for the solar charge controllers (SCCs) were recorded at 16 V and 11 V, respectively, in contrast to the recommended values of 14.3 ± 0.2 V and 11.6 ± 0.1 V. Furthermore, one tested SCC lacked both HVD and LVD functionalities. Similar issues were also identified with cables, LED lamps, and SCC efficiency. The survey additionally revealed that the average tilt angle for installed solar panels ranged from 15 to 16 degrees, while the recommended angle for the region is 25 degrees with a south-facing orientation. To mitigate these problems and ensure the benefits of SHSs are not outweighed by user challenges, especially in remote rural areas like Hatiya, it is imperative to implement proper market monitoring, offer training programs for SHS users, and provide robust after-sales services. These measures can help users fully reap the advantages of SHSs without burdening them. • Technical challenges rendering Solar Home Systems (SHS) a burden in remote rural areas. • Substandard locally manufactured components, such as solar charge controllers, degrading SHS performance. • Effective market surveillance is vital for ensuring high-quality products. • Empowering energy-scarce communities through training to discern quality products.