Solar Project history in West Bengal

In the early 1990s, West Bengal began laying the groundwork for its solar energy sector with a focus on off-grid solutions for rural electrification. West Bengal has significantly expanded its solar energy sector since 2000, with notable projects including rooftop and ground-mounted installations, as well as floating solar plants. The state has focused on both grid-connected and off-grid solutions, particularly in rural areas and educational institutions. 

Pioneering achievements in Renewable Energy sector in West Bengal

• India’s second off-grid Solar Power Plant of capacity 20 kWp for village electrification set up in 1994 at village Bongopalpur in Bankura.
• India’s first Biomass Gasifier Based Power Plant of capacity 500 kWp installed in 1996 for the purpose of village electrification at Gosaba Block in South 24 Parganas.
• India’s first Small Hydro Plant of capacity 10 kW for village electrification set up in 1996 at Paren, Kalimpong in Darjeeling.
• India’s first Rooftop Grid-Connected Solar Power Plant of capacity 25 kWp installed in 1996 at Bidyut Bhavan, Kolkata.
• WBREDA, as first State Nodal Agency in India, received Ashden Award in 2003 in the area of Energy Access, Renewable & Low-Carbon Energy giving recognition for successful implementation of interim electrification programme in Sundarbans through Solar PV System.
• India’s first Solar Housing Complex in India namely Rabi Rashmi Housing Complex established in 2008 at New Town, Kolkata.
• Asia’s first utility scale Solar Power Plant set up in 2009 at Jamuria, Paschim Bardhaman.
• The Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), Washington D.C and The National Association of State Energy Officials (NASEO), Virginia selected the Solar Installation Project at schools of WBREDA as Eastern Region’s best Renewable Energy initiative for its Scalability, Feasibility, Affordability and its social Impact in 2022.

Source: https://nres.wb.gov.in/achievements 

• In the absence of grid-connected power supply which reached only in 2018, many islands in India’s Sundarbans were powered by solar energy. Now, about two dozen solar assets, lie abandoned on these islands.
• Between 1996 and 2006, the West Bengal Renewable Energy Development Authority (WBREDA) installed 17 solar power plants with a cumulative installed capacity of 872.5 kilowatts (kW) and more were added to the list thereafter. Many of these set ups lie non-operational today.
• WWF India also set up five installations on Satjelia island within the last decade. Now, only one is functional.
• Despite these stories of failed solar setups, one of the country’s largest off-grid solar projects is coming up in the Sundarbans on Ghoramara island, the last island in Sunderbans that is without grid-connected power.

Source: https://india.mongabay.com/2022/06/how-the-sundarbans-missed-an-opportunity-to-harness-solar-energy/ 

Since its inception in 2011, WWF India, in partnership and consultation with local communities and other stakeholders, has so far installed six solar DC microgrids and one solar AC microgrid in the Satjelia and Kumirmari islands of the Sundarbans region.

Early Initiatives (Pre-2014):

• Early to mid-1990s:

  West Bengal State Electricity Board (WBSEB) and West Bengal Renewable Energy Development Agency (WBREDA) were actively involved in promoting solar energy, particularly for rural electrification. 

• Rooftop Solar:

  India's first rooftop grid-connected solar power plant (25 kWp) was installed at Bidyut Bhavan in Kolkata in 1996. 

• Off-grid solar PV systems: Before widespread grid expansion, off-grid solar systems played a crucial role in providing basic electricity to remote villages. WBREDA distributed around 250,000 home lighting systems and over 11,000 streetlights.

• 10 MW Bhajanghat Solar Project: Situated in Krishnaganj block, Nadia, the project uses government land and has been completed. 

• 200 MW Solar Park (Dadanpatra): Phase I (125 MW) is approved and under execution, with a DPR prepared for both Phase I and Phase II (75 MW). 

• Ground-Mounted Projects:

  Significant ground-mounted solar projects include a 125 MW project in Goaltore and a 10 MW project at PPSP Upper Dam. 

Government Initiatives:

• 10 MW EPC Tender: WBSEDCL has floated a tender for a 20 MW solar project in Uttar Dinajpur. 

• Rooftop Solar Projects: WBREDA is implementing rooftop solar projects in government and aided schools and offices, including 10 kWp plants in 100 schools and a 5 MW project under IPDS. 

• 1000 MW Purulia Project: Announced as part of the state's renewable energy goals. 

• Solar Parks: A 200 MW solar park is planned for Purba & Paschim Medinipur and Bankura districts, with a 125 MW phase already approved. 

• Vikram Solar Limited:

  This Kolkata-based company is a leading solar module manufacturer in India, with a significant production capacity. They also offer engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) services for solar projects. 

• Sova Solar:

  Based in Kolkata, Sova Solar is a leading solar panel manufacturer and service provider in West Bengal, with over 26 years of experience. They focus on providing customized solar solutions for both residential and commercial clients. 

• CFritts Power:

  CFritts Power is recognized as one of the best solar companies in West Bengal, offering comprehensive solar solutions. 

West Bengal oldest Solar Training Institute:

The Institute of Solar Technology (IST) in Howrah, West Bengal, is a prominent institution for solar training.While not explicitly stated as the oldest, it is a leading player in solar photovoltaic system design and training, having trained over 10,000 solar entrepreneurs since 2014. They offer online and practical training focused on solar project development and quality management. 

Here's why IST stands out: 

• Pioneering Role:

  IST is recognized as a pioneer in PV solar technology training since 2012. Source: Facebook
• Extensive Training:

  They have trained a large number of solar entrepreneurs, indicating their significant contribution to the field.
• Comprehensive Curriculum:

  IST's training covers various aspects of solar projects, including site assessment, feasibility studies, design, installation, quality management, and O&M planning.
• Practical Focus:

  They offer both online and practical training sessions, ensuring a well-rounded learning experience.
• Client Base:

  IST caters to a diverse clientele, including entrepreneurs, project developers, and EPC companies.

  
  
  

  The Barefoot College in Tilonia, Rajasthan, is known for its oldest solar training program in India, specifically for women in rural communities. This program, which started in the 1990s, focuses on training illiterate women, often grandmothers, to become solar engineers. These women, known as Solar Mamas, return to their villages to electrify homes and schools, contributing to sustainable development. 

National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE), which was established by upgrading the former Solar Energy Centre (SEC). NISE, an autonomous institution under the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), serves as the apex national R&D institution in the field of solar energy. It was formed in September 2013. 

The world's oldest solar training institute can be Solar Energy International (SEI) is a leading non-profit organization with a long history, founded in 1991, dedicated to providing technical training in renewable energy.