Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to declare Modhera as India’s first round-the-clock BESS solar powered village, on October 9, 2022. Located in Gujarat’s Mehsana district, Modhera is famous for its Sun Temple.
Talking about the solar power project at Modhera, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel said, “I am happy that Gujarat has once again taken the lead in fulfilling Prime Minister’s vision of generating clean energy. We are committed to fulfil his resolve of producing 50 per cent of India’s energy requirements through renewable energy by 2030.”
Government of Gujarat allotted 12 ha of land for development of this project. An amount of Rs.80.66 crore has been spent on a 50:50 basis by GOI and GOG in two phases, comprising Rs.69 crore and Rs.11.66 crore, respectively.
More than 1,300 1-kW rooftop solar systems have been installed on houses which generate electricity. The day time power is supplied through the solar panels. In the evening, the BESS provides power supply to the houses.
Through this project, Modhera is the first village in India to become net renewable energy generator. It is also the first modern village having solar based ultra-modern electric vehicle charging station. India’s first grid-connected MWh-scale battery energy storage system (BESS) is located in Modhera.
Solarization of Sun Temple
The heritage lightings 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 evening. Heritage lightings have been installed on the temple premises. Now, people can visit the temple from 6 pm to 10 pm to witness the lightings. The 3-D projection will operate from 7:00 to 7:30 pm every evening.
Power bills
The use of solar power has increased prosperity amongst citizens. Power bills that were above Rs.1,000 have almost reduced to zero today, an official release said. Solar panels have been installed at all feasible houses, free of cost. Excess power, if any, helps villagers earn extra income, the release said.
Also read: NGSL Wins Two Solar Power Contracts From NTPC-REL
Project partners
It is independently learnt that in early 2022, FIMER supplied its 1MVA inverters to Mahindra Susten for the BESS system and successfully executed the Modhera integrated solar energy project. The project was awarded by state utility Gujarat Power Corporation Ltd to Mahindra Susten (part of Mahindra Group) on EPC basis. The project was fully commissioned on August 26, 2021, within one year from the date of award.
