The Solar sisters of Kutch

 Before Charles Fritts installed the first rooftop photovoltaic solar array with 1% efficient selenium cells on a New York City roof in 1884, the sun was primarily a humble force behind natural phenomena like evaporation, beach sunbathing, photosynthesis (our second favourite topic in science class), and countless other natural processes. Today, beyond shaping Earth’s climate and sustaining life, the sun has also become a transformative and democratising power source in our modern world. Unlike traditional energy sources like coal, oil, gas, nuclear, and hydropower—which depend on extensive infrastructure and transmission lines—solar energy can now be generated directly at the point of use, right in our homes. It has become a household product.​ 

Source: UN News
India aims to reach 500 GW of electricity generation capacity from non-fossil sources by 2030, with solar power playing a significant role. According to the Invest India(National Investment Promotion and Facilitation Agency), Solar energy capacity nearly increased 30 times in past 9 years, reaching 90.76 as of September 2024. This growth in solar solutions is also empowering women—often unseen yet industrious—to gain economic independence.
   “While utility-scale solar is crucial for scaling up, it’s equally important to focus on decentralized solar applications like rooftop solar, solar-powered livelihood tools, and solar pumps, ensuring an inclusive, people-centred transition,” says Disha Agarwal, senior program lead at the Council on Energy, Environment, and Water (CEEW). Women are also instrumental in expanding solar usage in India; a recent report by Powering Livelihoods showed that of the 16,000+ early adopters of clean-tech livelihood tools in India, over 71 per cent are women.

Source: Central Electricity Authority, Central Electricity Regulatory Commission​

Salt farmers often burn their livelihood due to poor energy access, impacting their bodies, health, child development, safety and so on. Solar addresses this up to an extent. Transitioning from expensive diesel to solar pumps, boosted their income by 94%. Solar, particularly through localised solutions, is enhancing women’s financial inclusion and creating opportunities for income generation that support education, healthcare, and other essential needs. By involving women at every stage of the value chain—from end-users to entrepreneurs—Solar is fostering societal advancement and empowering women. The solar industry employs more women than any other energy sector. In 2022, the solar photovoltaic industry alone supported around 4.9 million jobs, with women making up 40% of the workforce. Given India’s ambitious renewable energy goals, the sector is projected to create an additional 3 million jobs by 2030, presenting substantial opportunities for women if current trends continue. No other energy sector matches this potential.

Source: themigrationstory.com

The photo shows the mixed usage of Solar and diesel-based generators to power up sal making process.

Challenges

The need to focus on the lifecycle and recycling of Solar tech to manage waste. Creating clear guidelines for processing solar photovoltaic materials is essential to ensure they support sustainability rather than increase waste challenges. A strong framework should require producer responsibility and promote collaboration between government and end-of-life management, encouraging effective recycling. Furthermore, the development of mobile recycling plants and rigorous waste management practices are crucial for improving the environmental and economic sustainability of the Solar industry.

Another challenge is expendable focus on low-level product solar dependence. With most investments concentrated in developed countries, developing regions are falling behind. This sectoral imbalance is evident, as large-scale solar farms attract the bulk of funding while smaller but essential applications, like solar pumps and cold storage, are often overlooked. Additionally, manufacturing concentrated in just two countries disrupts supply chains and inflates prices, a problem likely to worsen with rising global demand. Ensuring accessible and affordable solar solutions at the household level will require strong support from both governments and markets.

Another challenge is expendable focus on low-level product solar dependence. With most investments concentrated in developed countries, developing regions are falling behind. This sectoral imbalance is evident, as large-scale solar farms attract the bulk of funding while smaller but essential applications, like solar pumps and cold storage, are often overlooked. Additionally, manufacturing concentrated in just two countries disrupts supply chains and inflates prices, a problem likely to worsen with rising global demand. Ensuring accessible and affordable solar solutions at the household level will require strong support from both governments and markets.

 
Need to be done
Solar is more than just an energy shift. It empowers women, providing them a chance to uplift their status, to get on the same level as others. For solar energy to genuinely empower communities, it needs to be inclusive and equitable, with women not only benefiting but also serving as key drivers of change. Achieving this requires reassessing energy policies through a gender lens.