Masali: India’s First Border Solar Village

Current Context : Masali village, located in Suigam taluka of Banaskantha district in Gujarat, has become India’s first fully solar-powered border village.

• Situated approximately 40 kilometers from the Pakistan border, the village is home to around 800 residents.
• Total Cost:₹16 crore.
• Execution:The project was implemented with the collaboration of the Revenue Department, Uttar Gujarat Vij Company Limited (UGVCL), local banks, and solar energy companies.

Solar Infrastructure:

• Households Covered:Solar panels have been installed on the rooftops of all 199 houses in the village.
• Electricity Generation Capacity:The village now generates 225.5 kilowatts (kW) of electricity, which exceeds its total power requirements.

Significance:

• First Border Solar Village:Masali is recognized as India’s first solar-powered village in a border area.

Second Solar Village in Gujarat: Following Modhera, Masali is the second village in Gujarat to achieve full solarization.