TIRUPATI: The Swarna Naravaripalli Project has promoted sustainable energy in Naravaripalli, A Rangampet and Ramireddipalli villages of Chandragiri Assembly constituency in Tirupati district.
Harnessing the region’s abundant sunlight, the pilot project has transformed houses in the three remote villages into net zero energy units, setting a groundbreaking model for sustainable rural development in India.
By turning homes into mini- power plants, the project not only addresses energy needs but also paves the way for economic and environmental benefits, making these villages a beacon of green innovation.
Launched in the three Gram Panchayats, the project has solarised 1,600 houses in a record three-month period, boasting a total installed capacity of 3,396 kilowatts at a cost of Rs 20.68 crore. Naravaripalli has been selected for the prestigious SKOCH Award for effective implementation of the PM Surya Ghar scheme.
Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu set a target on January 16, which was successfully met by April 18. Tirupati District Collector S Venkateswar received a letter from the SKOCH Group informing that the award will be presented at SKOCH Summit in Delhi on September 20.
Project to generate 4.89 million units of power worth Rs 3.79 crore per annum
During a recent review meeting, energy officials informed the Chief Minister about the award. In partnership with the Andhra Pradesh Southern Power Distribution Company Limited (APSPDCL), solar-generated electricity is integrated into the grid, allowing households to offset their bills, and project costs while feeding surplus energy back to the system. This innovative approach ensures financial relief for households, and promotes clean energy adoption.
Engineers and project officials report that Naravaripalli and A Rangampet have successfully completed a 60-day trial, generating electricity beyond initial estimates.
Highlighting the pilot project, District Panchayat Officer Susheela Devi said, “Now, a household with a maximum electricity bill of Rs 2,000 pays Rs 350 only after deductions for the project EMI, and monthly consumption.”
“Our monthly power bill used to be around Rs 1,250. During the two-month trial run of the project, we paid just Rs 237, a significant saving,” B Rajeswari, a resident of Naravaripalli, told TNIE.
The project is projected to generate 4.89 million units of electricity worth Rs 3.79 crore per annum, while reducing carbon emissions by 4,188 metric tonnes. This initiative transforms these villages into green, energy-smart communities, achieving net-zero electricity consumption. The Swarna Naravaripalli Project stands as a pioneering concept, demonstrating the potential for scalable and sustainable energy solutions in rural India.