Special Programs and Agencies
Solar energy was actually introduced in Nepal during the 7th five-year plan in 1989 when, with the help of the French government, three community solar energy systems were established in Bahrebishe of East Nepal, Simikot and Gumgadhi of Midwest Nepal.
However, with the initiative of the government and donor agencies in 1993, the installation of solar energy systems in rural households has gained popularity all over Nepal. To further boost the process, the government in 1996 established an Alternate Energy Promotion Center (AEPC).
Solar energy was actually introduced in Nepal during the 7th five-year plan in 1989 when, with the help of the French government, three community solar energy systems were established in Bahrebishe of East Nepal, Simikot and Gumgadhi of Midwest Nepal.
However, with the initiative of the government and donor agencies in 1993, the installation of solar energy systems in rural households has gained popularity all over Nepal. To further boost the process, the government in 1996 established an Alternate Energy Promotion Center (AEPC).
Later on as an umbrella program, the Energy Sector Assistance Program (ESAP) was established in 1999 to promote the use of alternate sources of energy such as biogas, hydropower, wind and solar energy. With the establishment of ESAP, a comprehensive subsidy policy was also drawn by the government in 2000. In 2001, the Interim Rural Electricity Fund (IREF) was established to promote the use of alternate energy in Nepal.
According to ESAP, between 1993 and 2001 before ESAP was established, around 6000 units of Solar House Systems were installed. However, between 2001 to 2003, around 20,360 units have been
According to ESAP, between 1993 and 2001 before ESAP was established, around 6000 units of Solar House Systems were installed. However, between 2001 to 2003, around 20,360 units have been
installed in 67 districts and 1100 village development committees (VDCs) that represent several sparsely populated and thinly scattered villages.
The figures above represent only subsidized units. There are more than 30 community solar energy pumping stations used for irrigation. There are also trekking agencies, rest houses and teahouses on the trekking routes buying battery chargers, portable lights, installing lights as well as refrigeration systems for health professionals.
The government has planned to reduce the subsidy each year by 10 percent, but this new approach has so far been applied only to villages that are relatively accessible.
The figures above represent only subsidized units. There are more than 30 community solar energy pumping stations used for irrigation. There are also trekking agencies, rest houses and teahouses on the trekking routes buying battery chargers, portable lights, installing lights as well as refrigeration systems for health professionals.
The government has planned to reduce the subsidy each year by 10 percent, but this new approach has so far been applied only to villages that are relatively accessible.