Modhera, Gujarat First Solar-Powered Village in India initiated by PM Modiji

Modhera solar powered village. s1.dmcdn.net

Modhera: India’s First Solar-Powered Village

The  Modhera village  is famous for its Sun temple, a protected ancient site, which is situated on the river Pushpavati. It was built by King Bhima-I of the Chalukya dynasty in 1026-27. In 2022, it was included in the tentative list of the UNESCO's World Heritage sites. It is  a significant step towards spreading renewable energy in the country beginning with Modhera town which is known for the popular Sun temple, a lasting legacy of the Chalukya dynasty whose rulers were the worshippers of the Hindu sun god called Surya. 

The sun temple, Modehra, GJ. 0.wp.com/poserontour.com

On October 2022, Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared Modhera, a historic village in Gujarat, as India’s first fully solar-powered village. This significant achievement is part of the ‘Solarisation of Modhera Sun Temple and Town’ project, a joint effort by the central and state governments to promote clean energy and sustainability. The village, known for its iconic Sun Temple, now operates on renewable solar energy, providing a model for other rural communities across the country.

Located in Mehsana district, about 102 km from Ahmedabad, Modhera has a unique distinction as both a cultural and environmental pioneer.  It is developed through Ground Mounted Solar power plant and more than 1300 Rooftop solar systems on residential and Government buildings, all integrated with Battery Energy storage systems (BESS). A BESS is a type of energy storage system that uses batteries to store and distribute energy in the form of electricity.It is  installed in Sujjanpura, approximately 6 km from the Sun Temple. This setup ensures round-the-clock access to electricity, allowing the village to remain self-sufficient in energy usage.

The solarization of Modhera has brought multiple benefits to the community. Residents now enjoy 24/7 electricity, significantly reducing their dependency on conventional energy sources. It has also contributed to lowering carbon emissions, making Modhera a sustainable energy model for the future.

The initiative not only enhances the village's reputation as a cultural heritage site but also sets an example for clean energy adoption. As India's first solar-powered village, Modhera demonstrates how renewable energy can power.

https://www.awaradiaries.com/5-reasons-visit-modhera-sun-temple/

https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/pm-modi-to-declare-modhera-in-gujarat-india-s-first-solar-powered-village-101665165216263.html

https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-s-first-solar-powered-village

https://taleof2backpackers.com/sun-temple-modher