Solar, a game changer in women’s empowerment

• The journey of solar energy began with Charles Fritts, who installed the first rooftop photovoltaic solar array using selenium cells in New York City in 1884. Since then, solar energy has evolved from a natural phenomenon driving photosynthesis and evaporation to a significant source of electricity.
• Today, it stands out as a decentralized, direct-to-consumer energy solution, offering a transformative alternative to traditional energy sources like coal, oil, and gas.

Decentralization and Its Impact:

• The decentralization of power generation through solar energy brings numerous benefits, particularly in terms of environmental sustainability and societal structures. By generating energy close to the point of use, solar power empowers individuals and communities, particularly marginalized groups.
• This shift breaks down barriers to participation in the energy economy, enabling people—especially women—to become active participants and change agents.
• Women’s Empowerment: Women often face the most significant challenges regarding energy access, affecting their health, safety, and economic opportunities. Solar initiatives have shown transformative effects:
  • In Gujarat’s Little Rann of Kutch, women salt farmers transitioned from costly diesel pumps to solar pumps, increasing their income by 94% and significantly reducing CO2 emissions.
  • Organizations like Barefoot College, Grameen Shakti, and Solar Sister train women to become solar engineers, improving health outcomes and community resilience.

Economic and Social Benefits

• Solar energy enhances financial inclusion, with women benefiting from income-generating opportunities that allow investment in education and healthcare. The solar photovoltaic industry alone employed about 4.9 million people in 2022, with women comprising 40% of the workforce.
• With India's renewable energy goals, the sector is poised to create three million new jobs by 2030, presenting significant opportunities for women.

Uplifting Marginalized Communities

• Solar energy offers a path for development that contrasts sharply with the resource curse associated with coal mining. Many coal-rich areas suffer from poverty and inadequate living conditions, while solar energy projects can foster economic growth and community well-being. Off-grid solar solutions, such as rooftop installations and mini-grids, are particularly valuable in rural areas lacking traditional electricity infrastructure.

Challenges in Solar Deployment:

• Despite its advantages, the solar sector faces several challenges:
• Geographical and Sectoral Imbalances: Investments are often concentrated in developed nations, leaving developing regions, especially in Africa, lagging. Moreover, funding disproportionately favors large-scale solar farms, neglecting smaller applications like solar pumps.
• Manufacturing and Supply Chain Issues: A concentration of solar manufacturing in just a couple of countries disrupts supply chains and raises costs. Ensuring the availability and affordability of solar solutions at the household level requires robust government support and market strategies.
• Lifecycle Management: As solar technology advances, managing the lifecycle and waste from solar products becomes critical. A strong framework for recycling and circularity is needed to minimize environmental impacts and manage waste effectively.

Policy Considerations:

• A just energy transition must ensure that historically marginalized communities benefit from solar energy developments. This requires integrating gender perspectives into energy policies. Current policies often lack inclusivity, limiting their effectiveness in addressing inequalities.
• Holistic Approaches: Electrification initiatives should align with sectors like agriculture and rural development to dismantle barriers affecting women disproportionately. By positioning women as pivotal agents in the energy transition, we can foster a more inclusive energy economy.