Energy usage pattern of off-grid population in Bangladesh

Abstract

This paper presents a study of the power and energy consumption patterns in off-grid rural areas as learned from the 100kWp Purobi Green Energy Ltd. solar minigrid that has been operating in the Enam Nahar Bazar, Sandwip, Bangladesh for about 5 years. The study reveals the critical applications of energy in the rural areas are for the lighting, fan, refrigeration, communication, and medical purposes. Major share of the energy is consumed by motor based appliances, especially in the commercial sector for businesses whereas lighting, which is the most critical use of energy in rural areas, accounts for the least.