In India, Varad Ganesh Temple’s Electricity Bill Was Almost Halved by Solar Power

The Varad Ganesh Temple at Samartha Nagar, Aurangabad in India is at the forefront of religious and social activities and has now taken a step in the field of environment. Located in the Marathwada region of Maharashtra, India, the temple has set up a project to generate electricity from solar energy and is saving between 1,200 to 2,100 units of electricity per month. Following the installation of the project, the temple’s electricity bill has almost halved in just a few months. Moreso, the demand for an uninterrupted power supply for the temple is also being met. Temple authorities claimed that if more electricity is generated, it can also be sold to MSEDCL (Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Co. Ltd., also known as Mahavitran). 

The electricity consumption of the Varad Ganesh Mandir of Shree Ganesh Sabha is quite high. Besides the temple, there is also a community hall, an office, and a library. The daily requirement is about 40 to 45 units of electricity. However, a wedding or other function consumes around 60 to 70 units of electricity. Based on this consumption, the Temple Sansthan (organization) used to receive an electricity bill of 25,000 to 40,000 rupees, with an annual electricity bill of 500,000 to 600,000 rupees. Previously, these bills were paid through money collected from the donations of the devotees. In 2023, Manoj Padalkar, Secretary of Shri Ganesh Sabha, proposed that if such expenditures can be saved, other social welfare activities can be implemented. The proposal was approved by all.

A 10-kilowatt project on the temple roof

In the month of June, the work of setting up a solar power project started with the aid of Sudarshan Solar, a private company. Solar panels were installed on the roof of the temple by the company, and technical support was received from Maharashtra Energy Development Agency (MahaUrja) and Mahavitran. 

The project was launched on August 3 on Sankashti Chaturthi (a festival celebrated in North and Central India). Ganesh Sabha President Chandrakant Mule, Vice President Prakash Rashinkar, Secretary Manoj Padalkar, Treasurer Prakash Pinge, Joint Secretary Anil Valjakar, Dr. Sadhana Shah, Subhash Khoche, Dr. Dilip Yardi, Dr. Ashok Rege, Dr. Shailja Dev, Nirmala Tarte etc. were present on this occasion. The 10-kilowatt project has so far allowed the temple to get free, uninterrupted power. Authorities say that if power generation increases in the future, it can be sold to Mahavitran in return for which they will get credits. 

*All figures are in Indian Rupees

When speaking to the secretary, he said, “Marathwada is suitable for power generation due to intense sunlight. The government is also promoting solar energy. There is no electricity in many parts of the country. This is why we decided to set up this project. This is producing environment-friendly electricity. Also, our saved electricity will be useful for other needy areas. Moreover, we will be freed from problems like power outages. The amount saved could be used for other charitable works.”

This story is part of a six-part series. Read Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 5, and Part 6.

This story was produced with the support of Internews’ Earth Journalism Network. It was first published in Divya Marathi on Marathi on July 22, 2023, and has been translated and lightly edited for length and clarity.

Banner image: The solar panels installed on the roof of the Varad Ganesh Temple in Aurangabad / Credit: Manoj Padalkar.