Village cooperative sets up first-ever solar power plant

A village cooperative society in Sriganganagar district of Rajasthan has set up the first-ever solar power plant to serve its own needs and supply surplus electricity to the power grid. The initiative has been hailed as a major step for promoting renewable energy and a significant contribution to environment protection.

The 20 kV on-grid rooftop solar energy system has been installed in a 2,000 sq. foot area at the cooperative society’s office in Bandha Colony village, situated 11 km away from the Anupgarh town. The plant is set to start power production within a week after completion of formalities.

Cooperative society’s manager Jasvinder Singh Brar told The Hindu on Monday that the society members decided to install the plant in view of heavy electricity bills paid for operating the facilities created for the villagers. These facilities include a supermarket, gymnasium, reverse osmosis (RO)-based water purifier plant and a training centre for women.

Mr. Brar said an expenditure of ₹12.65 lakh was incurred on the solar power project, while the cooperative society received 30% subsidy, amounting to ₹3.79 lakh, from the Renewable Energy Department. “Enthusiastic youths from the village accompanied us in the purchase of photovoltaic cells and other equipment from Jaipur,” he said.

The plant is likely to produce 33,000 units of electricity annually, of which 23,000 units will be utilised for the cooperative society’s own needs through uninterrupted power supply. About 10,000 surplus units will be supplied to the power grid, bringing additional revenue to the cooperative society.

Source: thehindu