this represents a serious obstacle to grid extension in rural areas especially at a scale and pace consistent with the attainment of sdg and the needs of structural transformation however technological advances in renewableenergy and storage technologies have stimulated renewed interest in offgrid systems bolstered by their potential contribution to decarbonization of the power sector including through the hybridization of dieselbased generators and the islanding of local grids kempener etai beyond a certain breakeven distance from the existing grid capital costs may be lower for offgrid solutions than grid extension and conventional generators as may operating costs due to reduced transmission losses and potential fuel savings murray et al