The environment friendly renewable energy (i.e., solar energy) is expanding day by day to mitigate the demand of electricity in the remote areas. Considering the significance of the solar energy, the present study was conducted to explore the core economics of using solar household system and its impact on rural livelihoods and assessing the welfare aspects of such adoption. A survey was conducted in 240 households from February to April of 2018 in four upazilla, Madarganj Roumari, Fulchori and Charvadrason of Jamalpur, Kurigram, Gaibandha and Faridpur districts respectively. A combination of descriptive and statistical techniques was applied to analyze the data. Results revealed that the age groups of 30-45 years have the maximum frequency of 52.08%. Their educational standard, 70.42% are below S.S.C level and 14.16% are S.S.C passed. Among the household heads about 60.83% are farmers and 8.33% are in other agriculture related occupation. The cash inflow of existing solar panel was BDT 3520.00 and average salvage value was BDT 4119.58. Assuming 12% discount rate NPV was BDT 18064.17 and BCR was 2.01 as well as IRR 32.39% which was greater than opportunity cost of invested capital. Average 2.07 working hour per day extended after installation of SHS. Overall socio-economic benefit has increased. About 48.23% households quality of life switched to good condition, 32.50% households agricultural production increased and 45% households social security is in good condition. The adoption of solar panel was economically viable and overall welfare increased in the study areas.
Key words: Solar energy, solar home system, farmers livelihoods
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