Chapter 11: Solar Brilliance: Illuminating the Modhera Sun Temple With Sustainable Energy

The Modhera Sun Temple, an architectural masterpiece dating back to the Chaulukya dynasty's reign in 1026-27 CE, graces Gujarat's Mehsana district. This historical gem holds profound cultural significance, and the ‘Solarisation of Modhera Sun Temple and Town’ project draws inspiration from this iconic monument. Its core vision is to seamlessly blend the temple's historical importance with modern sustainability by harnessing solar energy to power Modhera town. At the heart of this transformative endeavour lies the establishment of a 6 MW Grid-Connected Ground Mounted Solar PV Power Plant in Sujjanpura. This is complemented by the installation of 1383 1KW Rooftop Solar Systems on residential buildings in Modhera village. To ensure a continuous power supply, a 15 MWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) in Sujjanpura addresses solar power intermittency. The project also incorporates smart energy metres, a SCADA-based Smart Energy Centre at the Modhera Sun Temple, a 50 KW Solar Parking Infrastructure with Battery Storage and Electric Charging Stations, and sensor-based smart street lights. In October 2022, the Honourable Prime Minister inaugurated the Solar Powered 3-D Projection Mapping Show and Heritage Lighting at the Temple. Serving as a model for rural electrification through solar energy, it offers valuable insights for tackling renewable energy challenges on a broader scale. Noteworthy achievements include Modhera becoming the first Indian village to enjoy uninterrupted 24×7 solar energy access, a testament to the seamless fusion of ancient heritage and modern sustainability.