With advancement of technology and change in life style, the demand of electricity is growing rapidly. At the same time, there are limited sources to produce electricity by non renewable sources and hence comes the demand for renewable energy. Solar energy is the most abundantly available natural energy on earth. Sun shines every day and has been giving energy for billions of years. This energy can be converted into other forms such as heat and electricity etc. The solar energy revolution took place in the last two decades and since then it has become increasingly powerful source of energy arena. It is also a clean and environmentally friendly means of providing energy in usable form. Solar panels use arrays of solar photovoltaic cells to convert photons into usable electricity. With solar panels, we can provide clean and renewable energy from sun.

Solar photovoltaic technology is a simple application of solar energy which has found acceptance in all areas especially in rural regions where the power supply is irregular and scarce. Even in the urban areas people prefer solar panel lighting as an alternative source during power cuts because of its simple mechanism. Home lighting System can also be powered by solar energy using solar cells that convert solar energy (sunlight) directly to electricity. Energy conservation with the growing energy needs and its shortage coupled with rising energy cost and a greater thrust in energy efficiency in industrial sector has been emphasized by the Govt. of India since 1980s. The energy conservation Act 2001 has been enacted on 18th August 2001, which provides for efficient use of energy and its conservation.

Our initiative is to bring solar energy systems close to remote rural areas and to bring a transformation in the quality of life there. Thus the mission is to introduce world class quality products with minimum cost and latest technology. The World over Solar Energy usage has increased and created a high focus on its use. High-tech, low-cost solar powered lamps and chargers have also been developed. Innovative and efficient solar products are the need for those who desire the latest in technology and design, thus ‘enlightening’ the people at the base of the pyramid.
In view of above and to meet the power demand of rural India, scientists have developed an innovation in solar light technology. This will end the kerosene-dependence of millions of families in villages. It has been found that replacing kerosene lamps with off-grid solar powered products saves money and results in better environment and friendly power source. Burn risks, unhealthy side effects and carbon-emissions are eliminated while the ability to charge mobile phones enables communication.

a. Solar energy in Villages:

Housing, water, food, clothing and power availability, are the prime index parameters for judging the progress of any nation. Electricity is a prime requirement for living as well as for running the Industry as well as agriculture which give employment to millions of people. About 1.2 billion People around the world and about 1/3 population of India (400 millions) have no or very little access to electricity. Millions more face regular power cuts or blackouts. The impact of energy shortage is enormous in India. Power scarcity severely affects the quality of life. Kerosene lamps are widely used for lighting in rural areas. Today even after about 70 years of independence, the progress on Electric generation is poor and insufficient especially in North India. Solar power is a renewable resource. Other energy resources, such as coal and oil, have finite supplies. The power of the sun, on the other hand, will keep on shining, potentially beyond human existence.

b. Concept of the Project:

Our country India is so much dependent on conventional methods of electricity generation like Thermal, Hydro, etc. Thus solar energy is an excellent alternative to conventional methods of power supply. “Empowering villages by providing Solar Street Light” project as suggested by “Yash Krishi Takniki Ewam Vigyan Kendra – YASTK – an NGO” can facilitate village roads with lighting arrangement especially when there is no Electricity in villages. It can also help villagers to walk on roads in night.

c. Versatility of Solar System:

Solar energy can power many different lighting needs, including walkway lights, indoor lights, security lights, portable spotlight stands, and handheld lanterns and flashlights.

d. About Solar Street Light (SSL):

Solar Street Light system is designed for outdoor application in un-electrified remote rural areas. This lighting system is ideal application for campus and village street lighting. The system will have a electric pole of about 5 meters height, solar panel, Battery, LED light etc. The pole light is provided with battery for storage backup sufficient to operate the street light for 10-11 hours daily. This will have automatic ON / OFF time switch for dusk to down operation and overcharge/deep discharge prevention cut-off with LED indicators. Proper selection and layout of lighting system; timely switching on-off of the lights; use of compact fluorescent lamps will help the villagers extensively.

e. Benefits of the project:

• Easy setup at village crossings in any village.
• Reliable free charging from sun and no running cost and Maintenance.
• No road work or wiring required.
• Unaffected by power fluctuations.
• No emissions: Perhaps the greatest benefits of solar lighting are the environmental benefits. Solar lighting does not contribute to global warming in any way. This is a positive impact on the environment.
• With solar lighting there is no risk of electrocution and the lights are cool to the touch, making them safe for children and pets.
• Solar lights continue working even if there has been a power outage. Because the energy isn’t coming off of an electrical grid, power outages make no difference.