It’s truly a case of tryst with destiny. Modhera village in Gujarat will be officially declared as India’s first hamlet to be a net renewable energy generator.
Modhera is otherwise famous for its Sun Temple.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will declare Modhera as India’s first (24 x 7) round the clock Battery integrated Solar Powered Village on Sunday, October 9.
Sharing highlights of the unprecedented solar power project at Modhera, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel said, “I am happy that Gujarat has once again taken the lead in fulfilling the Prime Minister’s vision of generating clean energy. We are committed to fulfil his resolve of producing 50 percent of India’s energy requirements through renewable energy by 2030.”
The Government of India and the state government of Gujarat initiated the ‘Solarisation of Modhera Sun Temple and Town’ to provide 24 x 7 solar energy to Modhera through Solar Power project integrated with Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) at Sujjanpura in Mehsana, approx. 6 km away from the Sun Temple, Modhera.
The state government has allotted 12 hectares of land for development of this project.
An amount of Rs 80.66 crore has been spent on a 50:50 basis by both the centre and the Gujarat government in two phases, i.e. Rs 69 crore in Phase-I and Rs 11.66 crore in Phase II.
More than 1,300 1 kW rooftop solar systems have been installed on houses, which generate electricity.
The daytime power is supplied through the solar panels. In the evening, the BESS provides power supply to the houses.
Salient Features
Through this project, Modhera will be India’s first village in the country to become a net renewable energy generator.
It will be India’s first grid connected MWh Scale Battery Energy Storage System and the consumers will be able to save 60 percent to 100 percent in electricity bills.
The heritage lighting and 3-D projection at the Sun temple will operate on solar energy. The 3-D projection will educate visitors with the history of Modhera. This projection will operate for 15-18 minutes during the evening.
Heritage lighting has been installed on the temple premises.
Devotees and others can visit the temple from 6 pm to 10 pm to witness the lighting.
The 3-D projection will operate from 7:00 to 7:30 pm every evening, an official said.
“Use of solar power has increased prosperity amongst citizens. Power bills were above Rs 1000 and have almost reduced to zero today. Solar panels have been installed at all feasible houses, free of cost. In case of excess power, we earn extra income too,” remarked Jatanben D. Thakor, Sarpanch, Modhera.
