Renewable Energy Solutions for Off-Grid Communities: A Case Study of Solar PV Deployment in Char Regions

This study presents the design, implementation, and impact assessment of a photovoltaic (PV)-based solar energy system for electrifying remote char (river island) communities in Bangladesh. Load analysis informed the appropriate sizing of system components, including monocrystalline/polycrystalline PV panels, deep-cycle batteries, inverters, and charge controllers. Strategic site selection, elevated installations, and community training ensured resilience and long-term viability in flood-prone areas. The modular system, costing 70,900 BDT per two-bedroom unit, demonstrated significant improvements in energy access, education, healthcare, and local economy, while reducing carbon emissions by 3–5 tons CO₂ annually. Despite high initial costs, the project confirms the feasibility of decentralized solar electrification and underscores the need for supportive policies and investment to scale similar initiatives.