Modhera in the state of Gujarat along the western coast of India, is the country's first solar-powered village, setting an example of “reconciliation between humankind and planet” according to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres who was visiting Modhera recently. It's also quite fitting as the city is known for its centuries-old sun temple. (photo) This solar power project commissioned in 2021 has provided its thousands of residents with more than enough renewable energy to power their homes. It cost a total of €8.3 million with half paid by the Government of Gujarat and half by the Government of India. More than 1,300 rooftop solar systems have been installed on houses for power generation and the village now has around 12 hectares of land covered with solar generating 1kW of energy. While daytime power comes from the solar panels, at night it is supplied by the Battery Energy Storage System. Modhera also happens to be the first modern village to have a solar-based modern electric vehicle charging station. According to the Government of Gujarat, residents of the village could save between 60 and 100 per cent of their electricity bills. "The people of Modhera are both consumers and producers of electricity and the government is purchasing additional generated power. Such successful attempts must be replicated across the country,” said Prime Minister Narendra Modi https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2022/oct/10/gujarats-modhera-is-indias-first-fully-solar-village-2506501.html https://www.euronews.com/green/2022/10/21/indias-first-solar-powered-village-is-transforming-residents-lives-says-un-chief