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Modhera's Solar Revolution: How a Village Slashed Power Bills to Zero

The historic village of Modhera in Gujarat is now a shining example of solar energy adoption. Nearly every household has installed solar panels, dramatically reducing or even eliminating their electricity bills. A robust battery system ensures the village has power 24/7, lighting up homes and public spaces. This initiative not only powers the local community but also contributes clean energy back to the national grid.

Key Points: Gujarat's Modhera Village Achieves 100% Solar Power Coverage

  • Solar panels installed in about 1,300 households achieve near-total village coverage
  • A 15 MW battery storage system provides uninterrupted power, even at night
  • Excess solar energy is supplied to the national grid from a ground-mounted plant
  • Solar power now runs streetlights, schools, hospitals, and EV charging stations
2 min read

Gujarat: Solar systems light up Modhera village, locals happy with reduced power bills

Modhera village in Gujarat achieves near 100% solar coverage, eliminating electricity bills for residents and powering everything from homes to EV stations.

"“Earlier our electricity bills used to be be in thousands, but today they have reduced to a few hundred rupees.” - Bharatbhai Chuthar, Modhera Resident"

Gandhinagar, Dec 3

Modhera village in Mehsana, a city known worldwide for its historic 11th-century Sun Temple, is gaining spotlight over widespread usage of solar energy. Almost every household in the village is reaping the benefits of solar energy here.

Official estimates put the figure of solar panel installations at about 1,300 households in the village, indicating almost 100 per cent coverage and penetration of the scheme.

According to villagers, solar panel-induced energy has brought down their electricity bills to zero. They are also receiving electricity at night through a 15-megawatt battery energy storage system.

A 15 MW battery storage system ensures uninterrupted power even at night. Solar energy now powers homes, schools, hospitals, streetlights, and EV charging stations. Extra power from the ground-mounted plant is being supplied to the national grid, making Modhera a model of energy self-reliance.

A couple of local residents spoke to IANS, explaining the benefits of the scheme.

Sabirbhai, Deputy Sarpanch of Modhera Village, said that solar systems have been installed at every house, setting up a new precedent in adopting renewable energy.

Bharatbhai Chuthar, a resident of Modhera Village, said, “Earlier our electricity bills used to be in thousands, but today they have reduced to a few hundred rupees.”

Villagers are extremely happy with the savings they are making from solar energy. Today, they don’t have to fear expenses before turning on their electrical appliances, including TVs, refrigerators and fans.

Not just the households but government buildings, including schools, hospitals, panchayats and bus stops have been equipped with solar systems. This has resulted in streetlights being powered by solar energy. The village also boasts modern amenities like EV charging stations.

Notably, Modhera also has a ground-mounted solar power plant, which sends excess electricity to the national grid, illuminating the famed Sun Temple. It is therefore presenting a new example of self-reliance and sufficiency in energy production.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Great initiative, but the real test is maintenance. Solar panels need cleaning and the batteries have a lifespan. I hope the local panchayat has a solid plan for long-term upkeep. Otherwise, in 5 years, the systems might fail and villagers will be back to square one.
A
Aman W
From thousands to hundreds in electricity bills? Wah! This is true development. The savings for these families will be huge. They can now spend that money on education or better food. Proud of Gujarat for leading in renewable energy.
S
Sarah B
As someone working in climate policy, this is incredibly inspiring. A village with an ancient Sun Temple now powered by the modern sun! The symbolism is perfect. The battery storage for night-time power is the key innovation here. A model for rural electrification globally.
K
Karthik V
My native village in Tamil Nadu also needs this. We have so much sunlight but still face power cuts. Why can't this be done pan-India? The central and state governments need to make this a mission. Jai ho solar energy!
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Nisha Z
EV charging stations in a village! That's forward thinking. This isn't just about light bulbs anymore. It's about building modern infrastructure in rural areas. Hope they train local youth to maintain these systems and create new jobs.

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