This policy brief analyzes the current policy environment governing kerosene and off-grid solar use. It sets out a suite of detailed policy interventions that can be implemented to achieve a systemic transition from kerosene to solar for lighting in rural India.

The paper is one of a series of three policy briefs examining the links between the use of kerosene fuel and off-grid solar applications for lighting in rural India. The papers provide initial policy solutions to enhance off-grid solar penetration by tackling the barriers to an enabling market environment for solar, while pursuing kerosene subsidy reform.

Policy Brief 1  examines the existing system of kerosene subsidies in India, the key issues facing this system and the impact of kerosene subsidies on the uptake of clean, alternative off-grid solar lighting solutions. Policy Brief 2  looks at the current market situation for off-grid solar technologies in India, and the current barriers to an enabling business environment for solar.