Tata Power : CGPL provided households with rooftop solar PV in Tunda, Gujarat

~Initiative to promote sustainable development in villages with 100% installation of solar power rooftops~

Tata Power, India's largest integrated power company has been a pioneer in utilisation of renewable energy for the development of urban and rural areas, alike. Taking this oath forward, Coastal Gujarat Power Limited (CGPL) in partnership with Tata Power Community Development Trust (TPCDT) has identified the first of its kind project called 'Suryoday' where an entire village of Gujarat will be adopting universal rooftop solar installation.

There are a number of initiatives like solar powered street lighting, water pumping, and solar farms that are connected with larger power grids, however, there are not many organized rooftop solutions with net-metering covering an entire village community.

Commenting on the 'Suryoday' project, Mr. Ashok Sethi, COO & Executive Director, Tata Power, said, 'At Tata Power, we are committed towards a greener and cleaner future with focus on renewable energy. We continue to seek potential areas across India for the development in the sector. To execute this vision, we aim to initiate growth in capacity through organic and inorganic means to achieve 30-40% generation capacity of Tata Power from clean energy sources.' He further added, 'The initiative in Tunda, Gujarat is an affirmative step towards providing clean energy to our communities.'

This project which targets 100% households in the region will give individual houses rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) system which would be connected to the grid without having battery banks.

This initiative furthers the company's efforts of a cleaner environment for the society. Under this project, Tunda village, has been identified as the model village by CGPL. Being close to the plant it takes forward the philosophy of 'Neighbour of Choice'.

In consultation with the Gram Panchayat the Tunda community has agreed upon processes to enable 200 Households of Tunda with solar power. Gujarat Energy Development Authority (GEDA) approved vendor has been identified to install the rooftop facility. Till date, 17 household installations have been completed and connected to the main grid line.

The total cost for per household/1 KWp will be Rs. 69,500 with significant contributions from Central Government, State Government, CGPL and TCDPT and the village community. This initiative has fostered the value of working together in the direction of sustained growth.