It Was the Age of Darkness... : Solar Energy As Source of Electricity: Is It A Blessing Or A Burden For People Living In Shirajganj, Bangladesh?

This research paper explores the changes in livelihood of people who have been using solar energy as a source of electricity. To see the development of people's lives, a combined framework of capability approaches by Amartya Sen and Martha C. Nussbaum is applied here. Field study is conducted in four areas of Shirajganj, Bangladesh. Lack of electricity is considered here as a form of deprivation which impedes the freedom of people. People who had no access to electricity faced different obstacles in achieving capabilities and performing functionings. Their lives were chained in the hands of day light. Solar system has been changing the situation in different sectors of lives. People can get more working and study hours.Solar system has also been creating some scopes for income generation. However, the facility it creates has a both positive and negative impressions. Based on the finidings, this research paper argues for expanding the use of this system in places where electricity is yet to be reached.