How is Modhera Village in Gujarat Transforming with Solar Energy?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Modhera village has nearly 100% adoption of solar energy.
- Residents enjoy reduced electricity bills, some down to zero.
- Nighttime electricity is provided by a 15 MW battery storage system.
- Both homes and government buildings are utilizing solar power.
- Excess energy is fed into the national grid, promoting energy self-reliance.
Gandhinagar, Dec 3 (NationPress) The village of Modhera in Mehsana, renowned globally for its ancient 11th-century Sun Temple, is now in the limelight due to its extensive adoption of solar energy. Nearly every home in Modhera is enjoying the advantages of solar power.
Current estimates suggest that approximately 1,300 households have installed solar panels, achieving nearly full coverage of the initiative.
Residents report that the energy generated by solar panels has effectively eliminated their electricity bills. A 15-megawatt battery energy storage system also provides nighttime electricity access.
This 15 MW battery storage guarantees reliable power supply around the clock. Solar energy now serves various facilities including homes, schools, hospitals, streetlights, and electric vehicle charging stations. Moreover, surplus electricity produced by the ground-mounted solar plant is fed into the national grid, establishing Modhera as a beacon of energy independence.
Local inhabitants shared their insights with IANS, illustrating the advantages of this initiative.
Sabirbhai, the Deputy Sarpanch of Modhera, stated that solar installations in every household have set a groundbreaking example in adopting renewable energy.
Bharatbhai Chuthar, another resident, commented, “Previously, our electricity bills reached thousands, but now they have dropped to just a few hundred rupees.”
The community is elated about the savings from solar energy, no longer worrying about high costs when using appliances like TVs, refrigerators, and fans.
In addition to residential homes, government facilities such as schools, hospitals, panchayat offices, and bus stops have also been outfitted with solar systems, leading to solar-powered streetlights. The village is also equipped with modern conveniences like EV charging stations.
Importantly, Modhera features a ground-mounted solar power plant that contributes excess electricity to the national grid, even illuminating the iconic Sun Temple. This embodies a new standard of energy self-sufficiency.