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“Whenever there will be talks of solar power, Modhera will be the first name to emerge. Because here everything is running on solar power. Whether it is light, farm….even effort is being made to run buses, vehicles on solar power. For a self-reliant India of the 21st century, we must encourage such efforts for our energy needs. I am working day and night to take the country in the direction of providing (energy security) for Gujarat, the country, and to our coming generation,” said Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the launch of Modhera Sun Temple.

DERIVING INSPIRATION FOR PROGRESS FROM THE SUN

In Indian culture, the sun is worshipped since it sustains us, provides warmth and gives energy to all life on earth. The ancient practice of venerating natural elements and their association with humans was dedicated to the Sun God, considered the prime force and energy of the life cycle.

The temple at Modhera occupies a pride of place among Gujarat’s religious destinations. India is never short of sunshine and the innumerable benefits that it bestows. In the course of our efforts to reduce the nation’s dependence on conventional sources of power, many of which are polluting and costly, we were faced with a possibility: Can the iconic Modhera Sun Temple be lit by Solar Power?

It was then felt there can be no better way to show our devotion than by illuminating the beautiful precincts of the Sun Temple & villages through solar power.

MODHERA TEMPLE DEDICATED TO THE SUN LIT BY THE SUN

Solar power plant along with BESS is providing round-the-clock illumination to the Modhera Temple. It puts the spotlight on conversion of solar energy into power to light the temple.

As the sun brightens the day, so too does solar power shed light on the modhera village and sun temple.

BLESSED BY CLEAN ENERGY, THROUGH SMART TECHNOLOGY

There is perhaps no cleaner and unlimited energy than solar power to which we can connect India’s vast power requirements to, and safeguard ourselves and the environment.

India’s 1st integrated state of the art solar project, was conceptualised by the Government of India, along with the Government of Gujarat and implemented through Gujarat Power Corporation Limited. It solarised the town of Modhera, in Mehsana, Gujarat. Since its completion, it is fulfilling the domestic, agricultural and commercial electricity needs of Modhera through solar energy.

The Solarisation of the town was a key part of the discovery of new frontiers for application of renewable energy. It enabled the country to move an important step forward towards realising our goal of becoming a Green Energy nation.

THE MODHERA SOLAR PROJECT: USHERING IN A BRIGHT FUTURE

A 6 MW (PV) ground-mounted solar power plant with 15MWh Battery Energy storage System (BESS) has been set up near Modhera village. The Battery Energy Storage System feeds solar power 24X7 to the village. 1383 grid-connected Solar Rooftop Systems (1 kW each) (Modhera- 1177, Samlanapura- 105, Sujanpura- 101) have been installed, helping the village to unburden itself from the consumption of conventional energy. Gujarat Power Corporation Limited has also set up Smart Energy Components such as smart energy metres for individual households and 11 kV feeders, solar EV charging stations, smart streetlights and interpretation centre cum museum near the Sun Temple.

Words That Illuminate the Happiness Generated

“We have benefited a lot from solar. Earlier my light bill used to be high in the whole society, but today we sleep in the air conditioner all night. Before solar people did not believe it but now everyone is taking advantage of it.” Ramila Ben, Village Modhera.

“We have benefited a lot from solar. The bill which used to come Rs.1000-2000 rupees earlier, now in reverse we are receiving Rs. 200-300 credit in our electricity bill.” Dahyabhai Modhera, Village Modhera.

“Solar rooftop has been installed in our school. Our school has 10 smart classes, 10 projectors and 22 rooms with 4 fans and 4 tube lights. Its bill used to be Rs 4500 to 5000, but today the billing has stopped due to the installation of solar panels and in the last 6 months 16-17 thousand rupees credit in our electricity bill.” Mahendra Bhai Nai, Principal, Modhera Anupam School.

“We have benefited a lot from the solar panels. Earlier we used to receive huge electricity bills; but nowadays, we don’t have to pay anything at all. I want to say, “Thank you!” to Modi Ji.” Rutvi Patel, Amarpura Vas Village Modhera.

Also Read | JDVVNL Secures Regulatory Approval for Long-Term Solar Power Procurement

“The whole village has benefited, including me after the installation of Solar PV Panels. Earlier we used to pay for electricity; but now we do not have to pay anything. We have received freedom from the hassle of paying electricity bills, thanks to Solar installations.” Bipin Patel, Village Modhera.

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