Masali, a village in Gujarat’s Banaskantha district, has become India’s first border solar village, located 40 km from the Pakistan border. The village, with a population of 800, now generates 100% of its electricity through solar power, with solar panels installed on 199 rooftops.
Masali’s transformation into a ‘solar village’ marks a significant achievement in the country’s renewable energy initiatives. Situated near the border, this milestone aligns with India’s broader efforts to make border areas more energy-efficient and self-sustaining. The project, with an investment of ₹1.16 crore, ensures complete solar power generation for the village, emphasizing India’s commitment to renewable energy and rural electrification.
Project Overview
- Location: Masali, Suigam Taluka, Banaskantha
- Population: 800
- Cost: ₹1.16 crore
- Energy Capacity: 225.5 kilowatts
Collaborative Effort
The project was completed through the collaboration of the Revenue Department, Uttar Gujarat Vij Company Limited (UGVCL), banks, and solar companies. Additionally, it received significant financial support, including:
- ₹59.81 lakh from the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana subsidy
- ₹20.52 lakh from public contributions
- ₹35.67 lakh from corporate social responsibility (CSR)
The Larger Vision
Masali’s achievement is part of the Border Development Project aimed at making 17 border villages (11 in Vav Taluka and 6 in Suigam Taluka) solar-powered. This initiative will ensure round-the-clock electricity in these remote areas. Banaskantha District Collector Mihir Patel, who led the project, emphasized that Masali is not just the first border solar village but also the second solar village in Gujarat after Modhera.
Impact on Rural Electrification
Solar power has effectively eliminated the electricity problem in Masali, providing sustainable energy for all homes. The PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, under which this project was launched, is the world’s largest domestic rooftop solar initiative, aimed at installing solar panels in over one crore households by March 2027.