LEVERAGING SUNLIGHT: OBSTACLES AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR RENEWABLE ENERGY ADOPTION IN INDIGENOUS VILLAGES OF CHURCHU BLOCK

In tribal communities, using solar energy offers a game-changing chance to advance sustainable energy solutions. The adoption of solar energy in the tribal settlements of Churchu Block, Hazaribagh district, is the main topic of this study. The study considers three main goals through a thorough analysis based on primary data gathered from chosen villages: the accessibility and acceptance of energy sources in tribal areas, as well as the current patterns of energy consumption; the evaluation of solar energy potential, awareness, as well as readiness to adopt solar energy; and the role of government initiatives to foster solar energy, including identifying gaps between policy design and implementation. With the aid of planned questionnaires, schedules, and focus group discussions, the methodology entails primary data collecting by basic random sample procedures. For statistical evaluations, percentage methodologies are utilized, and both qualitative and quantitative data analysis are utilized to extract insights. The study emphasizes how tribal people rely on conventional and non-renewable energy sources, have little knowledge of solar energy, and have differing levels of interest in using this safer and cleaner energy source. According to preliminary research, there is a lot of potential for using solar energy in these places, but a number of obstacles prevent widespread adoption. These include a lack of awareness campaigns, poor infrastructure, and budgetary limitations. Additionally, even while government regulations are designed to encourage the use of solar energy, there are still a lot of implementation gaps and difficulties that grassroots recipients must deal with. Practical recommendations for increasing the adoption of solar energy in tribal areas are included in the research's conclusion. Creating focused awareness campaigns, enhancing subsidy systems, and ensuring more inclusive governance are some of these strategies. By addressing these problems, solar energy could play a significant role in improving energy supply, slowing down environmental degradation, and fostering socioeconomic development in tribal regions. The study found that in addition to offering a solution for energy constraints, solar energy may foster sustainable and fair growth in neglected areas.