This study assesses and compares the benefits of electricity service to households and small enterprises from microgrids, solar home systems (SHS), and the national grid in select rural communities in India and Nepal.

Countries around the world are increasingly developing policies to address climate change and mitigate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. While this trend is encouraging, policies will only be successful in meeting the climate challenge to the extent that they are fully implemented.

This paper identifies key components of smart renewable energy policy in developing countries, focusing on the power sector. It also provides recommendations for maximizing the effectiveness of international support for deployment of renewable energies, drawn from these on-the-ground experiences in developing countries.