Solar energy leaves four TS hamlets shining

Hyderabad: The Indian Institute of Technology-Madras (IIT-Madras) and Verizon Data Services India have together brought solar power technology to hamlets in Telangana, bringing joy to 300 households virtually steeped in darkness until recently.

Acting in tandem with the Southern Power Distribution Company of Telangana Limited (TSSPDCL) and the Rural Electrification Corporation,IIT-Mundertook the project to provide uninterrupted solar power to 300 houses in four hamlets.

The hamlets together have around 300 houses. All these years, they were experiencing frequent power outages, especially during monsoons and at ‘peak-demand’ times

The IIT developed solar technology, which was then transferred to and commercialized by Cygni Energy Private limited (an IIT Madras-incubated firm), which also carried out the installations. Verizon provided financial assistance totalling Rs. 75 lakhtowards the project, as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives.

Ramunigundla Thanda, Kesya Thanda, Jogi Thanda and Mantriya Thanda are the four rural hamlets of Devarakonda Mandal in Nalgonda district, all situated about 100km from here, which have benefited immensely under the project.

The hamletstogether have around 300 houses. All these years, they were experiencing frequent power outages, especially during monsoons and at ‘peak-demand’ times.

The specialized systems, comprising 125Wp Solar Panel, a 1kWh battery, an inverter-less controller unit and DC loads operating on a 48V DC internal distribution line, were installed in all houses.

It powers a DC fan, a DC tubelight, two DC bulbs, a DC mobile charger, a DC power socket and a remote controller to operate fan and tubelight.

Everything has been working flawlessly since the installation of equipment in June this year.The project was implemented under the aegis of Prof. Ashok Jhunjhunwala, principal advisor, ministries of power and new and renewable energy.

Mr. Indiravath Pandu, a resident of Kesya Thanda, said, “Because of the solar power system, we do not have to worry about power cuts due to weather conditions. Now, we just have to worry about using the solar power wisely.”

Dasru Nayak, sarpanch of Kesya Thanda, observed, “Most of the people living in these hamlets come from tribal communities and are very poor.All that people in these households wanted was to be able to run a fan, switch on a tubelight and charge mobile phones. This solar system gave us exactly that.”