10 Amazing Things You Need To Know About Modhera Village

Modhera in Gujarat is the India’s first solar powered village, you can literally find solar panels on every house

142 years old Modhera Sun Temple is in this village which was built by king Bhimdev Solanki in 1027 AD

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Modhera, a village in Gujarat with a population of around 7,000 is making way for renewable energy adoption in India. It is India’s first solar powered village located in the Mehsana district of Gujarat. This village has a beautiful heritage and one can experience it for real by the Modhera Sun Temple. The Government of India and the Government of Gujarat has jointly developed this village. Here are the 10 amazing things we want to tell you about the Modhera village.

Modhera – Solar Panels On Every House

Look closely at the above image and you’ll find every home with solar panels. From small to big every house in Modhera is equipped with solar panels that will help owners to save money on electricity bills. The village has 1,300 solar rooftop systems with 1 kW capacity to generate electricity. In day time the solar panels will generate electricity and for evening there’s a solar plant battery energy storage system.

6 MW Solar Plant For Electricity In Night

Modhera village has its own 6 MW Solar plant with a 15 MWh battery energy storage system. It is located 3 km from the village and spread across 12 hectares. During the Night time this plant will supply electricity to the village. Both the central and state government spent nearly ₹80 crore for the solar energy development in the village.

Modhera Has Its Own EV Charging Station

The above image is of the Tata Nexon EV charging at the EV charging station in Modhera. This EV charging station is fully powered by solar panels that also acts as a rooftop where people can charge their EVs. It is the first village in Gujarat to have its dedicated EV charging station. The Government of India established the Modhera as a “Suryagram” which means the “village of the Sun”.

Savings Of Modhera Residents On Electricity Bill – 60% to 100%

After the installation of solar panels, the residents of Modhera save 60 to 100% on electricity bills. Power costs in the village were above ₹1000 and have now virtually reached zero. A resident of Modhera said that earlier his electricity bills were at ₹2000 which now stands at less than ₹400. About 1000 solar panels have been installed free of cost in the village.

Modhera Sun Temple – Constructed By The King Bhimdev Solanki

The Modhera village is dedicated to deity Surya and has a historical significance. Way back in 1027 AD the Chaulukya king Bhimdev Solanki constructed the Modhera Sun Temple. It is the charm of the Modhera village and attracts tourists from all over India. Above image is taken by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) in 1880. This temple is protected and maintained by the ASI since then. Modhera is located on the banks of Pushpavati river.

Renovation Of Modhera Sun Temple

Above two images are then and now pics of the Modhera Sun Temple. The Government of Gujarat has completely renovated the temple to make it beautiful and attract even more tourists. Between 6 pm to 10 pm one can plan their visit to the renovated temple.

It is one of the finest examples of temple architecture of modern India. After renovation this temple is equipped with 3D projection lighting and sound show explaining the importance of the temple. It operates every evening.

Cultural Significance Of The Modhera Sun Temple

The Modhera Sun Temple has extremely beautiful heritage. It is said that Lord Ram lived here for short time. This temple is constructed in such a way that first and last ray of the Sun fall on this temple. On its wall there are mentions of Vedas and religious texts.

Sabhamandapa, Gudhamandapa and Suryakunda are three main parts of the Modhera Sun Temple. One interesting fact is this temple is older than the Konark Temple. Mahmud of Ghazni attacked this temple, after attack Chaulukyas again built this temple but later Allauddin Khilji too attacked it. Thus main idol of the temple is missing.

Modhera – The ₹3,900 Crore Dream Project Of Narendra Modi

To make Modhera India’s first solar powered village was the dream of prime minister Narendra Modi. Way back in 2014 he dreamt of this which became a reality in 2022. On 9 October 2022, PM Narendra Modi himself inaugurated several projects in Modhera. Both central and state government spent ₹3,900 crore to make Modhera India’s leading village in renewable energy utilisation.

After Modhera Village What’s Next?

In Gujarat, it is the first solar powered village. Considering the success of the first plan to develop a village entirely based on renewable energy the government is planning to convert other villages too. Same model will be implemented in other villages of Gujarat which will boost the India’s renewable energy growth. Gujarat is already one of the leading states in the renewable energy.