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Pune Couple Saves 90% on Electricity Bills with Solar Power
In the serene and affluent Aundh suburb of Pune, Shilpa and Suneet Kotwal's bungalow stands as a beacon of energy self-sufficiency. Utilizing solar power, the couple manages to run everything from refrigerators and air conditioners to washing machines and electric scooters, saving a remarkable 90% on their electricity bills.
The Kotwals installed a 15 kWp solar photovoltaic (PV) system with 20 batteries for storage. "With storages in place, we don’t really need to compromise on our way of living," says Shilpa. The couple's power bills have significantly reduced, with monthly costs dropping to between Rs 700 and Rs 1,500, compared to their neighbors' bills of Rs 6,000 to Rs 10,000.
Shilpa and Suneet, both polymer engineers, moved back to their bungalow in 2020 and installed 42 solar panels across 21 square meters of their terrace. This grid-backed system stores excess energy for use during non-generation hours, making the Kotwals nearly independent of the grid. For most of the year, they use zero energy from the grid, except during peak summer months.
The entire solar setup cost the couple Rs 15 lakh, with an expected return on investment within five years. The Kotwals have also adopted sustainable water practices, relying on groundwater for all their needs. Their commitment to sustainability extends beyond their home, influencing their neighbors and showcasing the potential for urban households to achieve energy independence.
The Kotwals' journey to energy self-sufficiency demonstrates that sustainable living is achievable without compromising modern comforts. "We do not require additional protection from probable fluctuations and spend on voltage stabilizers. Needless to say, we don’t worry about rising power costs," says Shilpa.
Their story serves as an inspiration for others to embrace renewable energy solutions and reduce their carbon footprint while enjoying uninterrupted power supply.
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