As India celebrates its 79th Independence Day on August 15, 2025, the national theme of “Naya Bharat” captures the country’s aspirations for a future that is prosperous, self-reliant, and sustainable by the time we reach the centenary of independence in 2047.
This vision honours the sacrifices of our freedom fighters while urging citizens to embrace the power of innovation, inclusivity, and environmental responsibility.
In this context, Modhera, a small village in Gujarat’s Mehsana district, stands out as a remarkable example of the “Naya Bharat” dream in action, India’s very first 24/7 solar-powered village.
India’s First 24/7 Solar-Powered Village: Transforming Lives
The transformation of Modhera has been powered by a comprehensive renewable energy project combining a 6 MW ground-mounted solar plant in nearby Sujjanpura with approximately 1,383 rooftop solar panels (each of 1 kW) across homes and public buildings. The village is also equipped with a 15 MWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), which ensures uninterrupted electricity supply, even during nights and cloudy days.
Jointly funded by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) and the Gujarat government, the project represents an investment of around Rs 65-69 crore. It also brings along smart energy meters, solar EV charging stations, sensor-based street lighting, and even a solar-powered 3D projection light show at the historic 11th-century Sun Temple.
The impact has been life-changing. Many households now have zero electricity bills — and some even earn money by selling surplus power back to the grid. Ramila Ben, a local resident, shares, “We used to pay high bills every month. Now, my entire home runs comfortably on solar energy, and we even have air conditioning through the night without worry.”
India’s Solar Manufacturing Milestone: A Giant Leap Towards Atmanirbhar Bharat
India has achieved a historic milestone by building a 100 GW solar photovoltaic (PV) module manufacturing capacity enlisted under the government’s Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM). This capacity represents a remarkable rise from just 2.3 GW in 2014, reflecting the nation’s rapid evolution into a global solar manufacturing leader. Driven by visionary leadership and transformative policies such as the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for high-efficiency solar modules, this achievement confirms India’s commitment to self-reliance in clean energy production.
Currently, 100 manufacturers operate 123 manufacturing units across the country, capable of serving domestic demand and competing globally. Union Minister Pralhad Joshi hailed this milestone as a significant step towards India’s goal of 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030, aligning perfectly with the “Naya Bharat” vision.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the development as a testament to India’s manufacturing prowess and dedication to popularising clean energy nationwide.
People Behind Modhera’s Solar Success: Visionaries and Implementers
The exemplary transformation of Modhera into India’s first fully 24/7 solar-powered village is the result of collaborative efforts between multiple stakeholders committed to India’s clean energy future. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), Government of India, played a key role by initiating and funding the pilot “Scheme for Solarisation of Sun-Temple Town of Modhera” launched in March 2020, aiming to showcase rural renewable energy empowerment.
The Government of Gujarat jointly supported the project with co-funding and local implementation. Gujarat Power Corporation Limited (GPCL), under the leadership of Chief Project Officer Rajendra Mistry, was instrumental in executing the installation of the 6 MW solar photovoltaic plant, 1,383 rooftop solar systems, and the innovative 15 MWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) that ensures uninterrupted power supply.
Technical partners like GreenPowerMonitor contributed advanced power plant controllers and energy management systems to optimise solar energy production and usage. Managing Director Vikalp Bhardwaj of GPCL also emphasized the replicability of Modhera’s model for other villages across India.
On the ground, local community members have been enthusiastic participants and beneficiaries, embracing solar technology with testimonies like Ramila Ben’s and Gadvi Kailashben’s, who highlighted the positive impact on their quality of life and economic upliftment.
Together, these visionaries, technical experts, government officials, and the community have created a pioneering blueprint for renewable energy-driven rural development, blending heritage conservation with sustainable innovation.
Fusing Heritage and Clean Energy with National Goals
This initiative, launched in March 2020 as a pilot project, perfectly aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, aiming to provide rooftop solar to one crore households with up to 300 free units of electricity each month. It is also part of India’s broader renewable energy drive to reduce dependence on fossil fuels, cut carbon emissions, and achieve sustainable energy equity.
Equally significant is Modhera’s blend of heritage conservation and modern sustainability. The Sun Temple, a UNESCO tentative site, is fully illuminated with solar power, ensuring that the village’s rich history thrives alongside its clean energy future.
Gujarat Power Corporation Limited’s Chief Project Officer, Rajendra Mistry, notes, “Battery storage is the deciding factor in ensuring true 24/7 solar power. Modhera proves that renewable energy can meet every need — domestic, public, and agricultural.”
The Logical Indian’s Perspective: Lighting the Way Forward
Modhera’s achievement is more than an infrastructure milestone, it is a symbol of harmony between tradition and progress. It empowers rural communities economically, reduces their carbon footprint, and preserves cultural heritage, embodying the values of peace, empathy, and innovation that The Logical Indian champions.
As India marks another Independence Day, Modhera reminds us that freedom today is not just political, it is also freedom from energy insecurity and environmental degradation. The challenge now is to replicate this model widely.
This is yet another milestone towards self-reliance! It depicts the success of India's manufacturing capabilities and our efforts towards popularising clean energy. https://t.co/ZLMkhtSx8u
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 13, 2025
Sun Temple, Modhera shines in the #Tricolor, honouring the proud spirit of #HarGharTiranga and #India’s glorious heritage.#HarGharTiranga2025 #HGT2025 #TirangaAndTheHeritage #ASI #HeritageSites #ArchaeologicalSurveyOfIndia #CultureUnitesAll pic.twitter.com/LEbe47wYmn
— Archaeological Survey of India (@ASIGoI) August 13, 2025
