Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Socio-Cultural Dimensions Of Cluster Vs. Single Home Photovoltaic Solar Energy Systems In Rural Nepal, Kimber Haddix Mckay

Anthropology Faculty Publications

This paper analyzes the socio-cultural dimensions of obstacles facing solar photovoltaic projects in two villages in rural Nepal. The study was conducted in Humla District, Nepal, one of the most remote and impoverished regions of the country. There are no roads in the district, homes lack running water and villagers’ health suffers from high levels of indoor air pollution from open cooking/heating fires and the smoky torches traditionally burned for light. The introduction of solar energy is important to these villagers, as it removes one major source of indoor air pollution from homes and provides brighter light than the traditional …