Consider a situation where a system of solar-powered batteries takes over when the public grid’s source of electricity fails. That may sound fantastical, particularly in a country like Nagaland, but it is feasible and, more importantly, it is effective.

A house is really soaking up free solar electricity, thereby showcasing a low-carbon—in this case, solar—solution to Nagaland’s ongoing “load-shedding” dilemma.

The Mokokchung home is notable for having a rooftop solar plant that can produce 3 kW (3000 watts) of energy, which is sufficient to run a typical “Domestic category” home’s water pump, fans, fridge, TV, computer, lighting, and other equipment.

The individual behind this low-carbon project asked to remain anonymous, but he or she consented to tell The Morung Express about their successful solar energy experiment. He preferred to go by the initials of his name, AB, and was a retired science schoolteacher who lived in Mokokchung with his family.

He claimed that he had been fascinated by the concept of solar energy at a young age and had closely followed the advancements made in photovoltaic cells. Being a hobbyist in electronics, “I felt using solar energy would be wise. As my job developed, I was able to accumulate enough money to install one, according to AB, who also drives an electric vehicle.
The system was gradually upgraded, and it currently contains 3 kW solar panels, a 6 kW inverter, and battery backup as a result of phased installation. A greater backup rating suggests that the solar panels’ capacity may be increased without requiring an update to the inverter.

Yet, the cost issue continues to be a significant roadblock to the widespread use of renewable solar energy.

The rooftop system was renovated in 2019, and the investment was roughly Rs 4.5 lakh. He said that the long-term benefits surpass the installation expenses.

I can declare that I am not squandering the solar energy that my roof receives, he insisted. Also, my bills decrease.

The freedom from “the horrific power outages” that Nagaland has become accustomed to has, in AB’s opinion, been the most obvious advantage. Yet, a feeling of psychological satisfaction has proven a more significant factor. In addition to having a lower carbon footprint than other forms of energy, he noted that solar energy also offers the added benefit of lower energy costs.
He insisted that although the initial investment would be costly, it would eventually turn a profit. The break-even threshold, according to him, is at about 6 years, and it becomes much shorter if one chooses a grid-connected system.

“The investment may be returned within 2-3 years if you choose a grid-tied rooftop solar system of around 10 kW,” he stated. A grid-tied or grid-connected solar plant, as the name suggests, allows two-way energy flow, allowing the export of electricity generated by the plant to the local grid and vice versa on overcast days or at night. With such a bidirectional system, excess energy produced by the rooftop plant may be exported to the grid to offset drawal costs. Such a method eliminates the need for a homeowner to purchase backup.
He stated, “That lowers down the cost (energy bill) a lot,” adding that his rooftop system had also been converted to a grid-tied system. He estimated that, based on the Department of Power Nagaland (DoPN) pricing, his typical monthly energy use would be comparable to about Rs 3000. But because it is now a grid-tied system, he continued, “I may cut my costs to about Rs 700-800.”

In the month of May of this year, he proposed the changeover. He claims that the Department was pleased to inform him that there was already a government program for encouraging home solar facilities.