A comprehensive review of the prospects for rural electrification using stand-alone and hybrid energy technologies

The abrupt rise in energy demand has led many growing nations to a power shortage. Hence, most rural areas in those nations are purely dependent on off-grid based power generation for their electrification. Off-grid-based power generation has sounded loud recently for their higher advantage in generating independent energy and cost-cutting solutions in rural electrification. In this paper, a comprehensive review delivers enhanced hybrid electrification in rural areas using renewable energy sources like hydro, wind, biogas, and biomass. The review also highlights sustainable and reliable hybrid renewable power generation system operation. Furthermore, this review article focuses on the optimal integration of renewable energy systems used for rural electrification, factors influencing a particular hybrid energy system selection, and the energy management strategy followed to facilitate researchers' research work. The researchers and stakeholders can utilize the outcomes of this study for swotting rural electricity pricing and policymaking.