Prime Minister Modi declares Gujarat’s Modhera as country’s first 24×7 solar-powered village

During the day time, Modhera will get solar power and at night, it will be powered by BESS

October 9, 2022

Modhera becomes India’s first 24×7 solar-powered village

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday declared Modhera in Gujarat’s Mehsana district as the country’s first round-the-clock solar-powered village during his three-day visit to the state. The Gujarat government said that through this project, Modhera is the first village in India to become a net renewable energy generator.

This is the first modern village to have the facility of solar-based ultra-modern electric vehicle charging stations. As part of the project, electricity is being supplied to the houses of three nearby villages from the solar plant built near Modhera.

While speaking on the occasion PM Modi said, “Modhera, which is associated with the Sun Temple will also be known for its strides in solar energy. Big day for Modhera as it takes a giant leap towards harnessing solar power. Now we will not pay for electricity, but start selling it & earn from it… Till a while back, the govt used to supply electricity to citizens but now, with the installation of solar panels, citizens will produce their own electricity.”

The government has allocated 12 hectares of land in the nearby Sajjanpura village to set up Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) for the same. Solar panels have been installed at residential houses in Modhera. During the day time, the village will get solar power and at night, it will be powered by BESS. Central and the Gujarat governments have jointly spent Rs.80.66 crores on a 50:50 basis in two phases on this project.

The project has been tested for some time, wherein over 1000 solar panels have been installed on the houses to generate electricity for the villagers for 24 hours. Notably, the villagers will be provided the solar electricity without any charges. The state government said the people of this village will save 60% to 100% on electricity bills with this project.

Modhera village also houses the world-famous Sun Temple, which has been facilitated with heritage lighting and 3D projection that will function on solar power. The Gujarat government and the Centre have started the ‘Solarization of Modhera Sun Temple and Town’ to provide round-the-clock solar energy to Modhera through the Solar Power project.

Earlier, Gujarat 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 fulfilling his resolve of producing 50% of India’s energy requirements through renewable energy by 2030.”

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