A major part of the Himalayas does not have access to the electricity. Once the sun sets behind these mountains people living in these hills are forced to live their entire night in the dark.

Off-grid rooftop solar power systems: Solution for darkness

Solar energy provides us with the advantage of powering such areas where grid-connected or conventional power has not yet reached. With the help off-grid systems we can provide light to the darkness of such people.

Off-grid systems are not attached to any electric grid, and that is the reason it is called off-grid rooftop solar power system. Some of the advantages and features of Off-grid rooftop solar energy systems are:

All the electricity generated by the system is stored in batteries connected to the system

Since it is not attached to any external grid, all the power remains with the household.

In the places where there are frequent power cuts or no electricity, Off-grid is the best bet.

This system helps in providing basic amenities to the area where the government has not yet reached.

For the development of backward areas, this is the most appropriative solution for power generation.

How Off-grid systems solved the problem in India

Off-grid systems have been an attractive solution in the villages and mountains where even now electricity has not yet reached, and people are forced to live in the dark. One of such example of solving such issues by using solar energy is discussed here.

Lingshed village near Ladakh

Lingshed is situated at an altitude of 4000 meters near Ladakh region of Himalayas. Some of the features of the above area:

Near about 700 people lives in this village

It takes a full days trek to reach this village from the nearest proper road.

A 900-year-old Buddhist Monastery is situated at this place.

There is a local school which provides educations to kids.

The area has longer winter months than usual.

The region received incredible solar radiation of 1250 watt per SQ. metre.

For light in the night whole community depends upon either kerosene lamp or candles.

All of the panels were transported using either animals or local people.

August 2016: When Rooftop solar power system was introduced

Solar energy is one such renewable source which is present across all the land equally. Through solar energy, we can provide essential amenities like internet, electricity telephone to the communities living in such remote areas. In the year 2016, a group of engineers formed an NGO to take care of villages of Ladakh.

Features of rooftop solar power system used at Lingshed.

Each grid used a 250-watt Photovoltaic panel. Specially designed 12 volt lead-acid based tabular batteries were used. All the systems were Off-grid systems. Essential innovation was done to save the efficiency loss in converting DC to AC. Direct current was used rather than the Alternate current to power the village. A total of 14 Micro-grids of such type were Installed.

After the Installation of these photovoltaic systems, the people of the region received immense benefits. Some of the major benefits are elaborated here.

Prayer hall of Monks received light for the first time.

The computer lab of the schools received power.

Electricity to run LEDs at homes

The Internet for school kids to learn

Telephone for connecting with the world.

This is one such smart village which benefited through such small innovations in using solar energy. Such projects have been successfully carried out in 22 various villages of Ladakh. Hundreds of people living in these areas were forced to live in the dark at night. These rooftop solar power systems are lighting their rational world.