This publication promotes the use of distributed renewable energy systems and presents lessons learned from the Hybrid Solar Photovoltaic Mini-Grid Project in Cobrador Island, Philippines. Affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all that meets environmental goals is central to global development and policy making. Access to electricity continues to improve in Asia and the Pacific, yet many rural areas lag behind due to challenges in the economic and financial viability of grid extensions. This publication discusses the advantages of distributed renewable energy systems as a solution. It also outlines techniques and tools to optimize renewable energy resources for off-grid electrification that can complement and supplement national energy plans and programs.

This open access book addresses the issue of diffusing sustainable energy access in low- and middle-income contexts. Access to energy is one of the greatest challenges for many people living in low- income and developing contexts, as around 1.4 billion people lack access to electricity. Distributed Renewable Energy systems (DRE) are considered a promising approach to address this challenge and provide energy access to all. However, even if promising, the implementation of DRE systems is not always straightforward. The book analyses, discusses and classifies the promising Sustainable Product-Service System (S.PSS) business models to deliver Distributed Renewable Energy systems in an effective, efficient and sustainable way. Its message is supported with cases studies and examples, discussing the economic, environmental and socioethical benefits as well as its limitations and barriers to its implementation. An innovative design approach is proposed and a set of design tools are supplied, enabling readers to create and develop Sustainable Product-Service System (S.PSS) solutions to deliver Distributed Renewable Energy systems. Practical applications of the book’s design approach and tools by companies and practitioners are discussed and the book will be of interest to readers in design, industry, governmental institutions, NGOs as well as researchers.

This book features extensive coverage of all Distributed Energy Generation technologies, highlighting the technical, environmental and economic aspects of distributed resource integration, such as line loss reduction, protection, control, storage, power electronics, reliability improvement, and voltage profile optimization. It explains how electric power system planners, developers, operators, designers, regulators and policy makers can derive many benefits with increased penetration of distributed generation units into smart distribution networks. It further demonstrates how to best realize these benefits via skillful integration of distributed energy sources, based upon an understanding of the characteristics of loads and network configuration.

This guidebook shows how India plans to meet its ambitious rooftop solar energy targets and why identifying new business models, engaging utilities better, and developing new market mechanisms will speed up its adoption. It explains how factors such as access to finance, policy uncertainty, and a lack of credible developers are slowing the roll out, and how demand aggregation can help utilities lower costs, reduce risk, and expand market opportunities. It offers a step-by-step guide for utilities to design demand aggregation programs and recommends that they introduce targets, build capacity, and run marketing campaigns to grow rooftop solar power generation and help reduce India's emissions.