At Sustera Foundation, we believe in leading with purpose, and as a socially committed NGO with seven years of experience, we strive to create impactful models for sustainable solutions. One such initiative is the recent installation of a 2kW solar Panel Installation at Kinnanur Karithalam Panchayat Anganwadi in Kasargod under our 2.5-year-old Gen-re Collective project. This installation is more than just an infrastructure upgrade—it’s a step towards energy independence, gender inclusivity, and renewable energy advocacy.
Why Solar Energy and Why Anganwadis?
As an organization focused on climate action and community-driven solutions, we recognize the importance of local engagement in addressing global challenges. Solar energy is not only a key pathway to reducing emissions, but it also promotes energy sovereignty, especially in regions where energy dependency on fossil fuels like coal remains high. In Kerala, 70% of energy comes from non-renewable sources, making the push for renewable alternatives even more critical. However, challenges like lack of awareness, financial constraints, and resistance to changing energy habits are barriers to widespread adoption.
We chose Anganwadis as a focus for our solar energy projects because they are deeply rooted in the community. Anganwadis serve not only as pre-schools but also as centers for health services, education, and support, particularly for pregnant women, lactating mothers, and children. By solarizing these spaces, we provide a visible, functional model of how renewable energy can support vital community services while also addressing gender-based energy access disparities.
As an organization focused on climate action and community-driven solutions, we recognize the importance of local engagement in addressing global challenges. Solar energy is not only a key pathway to reducing emissions, but it also promotes energy sovereignty, especially in regions where energy dependency on fossil fuels like coal remains high. In Kerala, 70% of energy comes from non-renewable sources, making the push for renewable alternatives even more critical. However, challenges like lack of awareness, financial constraints, and resistance to changing energy habits are barriers to widespread adoption.
We chose Anganwadis as a focus for our solar energy projects because they are deeply rooted in the community. Anganwadis serve not only as pre-schools but also as centers for health services, education, and support, particularly for pregnant women, lactating mothers, and children. By solarizing these spaces, we provide a visible, functional model of how renewable energy can support vital community services while also addressing gender-based energy access disparities.
Unified Efforts in Solar Energy Solutions
Sustera Foundation operates through two key pillars: the Climate Leadership Action Network-30 (CLAN 30) and the Gen-RE Collective. The CLAN-30 consists of individuals trained through Sustera’s renowned Climate Leadership Program(CLP), who are committed to driving climate solutions across various regions. The Gen-RE collective is a participatory climate finance initiative which enables members to enhance their sustainable practices and amplify their impact beyond the individual level by monthly donations. These funds support impactful climate change mitigation and adaptation projects, while reserving 30% for disaster relief efforts.
As part of the 2023 Kerala CLP, one group chose to focus on solar energy for their CLP curriculum. They identified Kasargod, a district that receives a good amount of solar insolation due to its geographical location while also experiencing frequent power outages, as a prime candidate for solar installation. They first discussed with the district panchayat president, and through continuous discussions with relevant stakeholders and primary data collection, they identified the willingness of the Kinanur Karithalam Panchayat.
The Gen-RE Collective played a crucial role in financing the project by pooling contributions from its supporters. KeyValuesystem Solutions, an IT company based in Kochi, also provided support through their corporate social responsibility (CSR) fund, facilitated by Narendran S, a climate leader from their team. Additional funds were raised through MILAP, ensuring the successful implementation of the project. In total, we raised ₹2.5 lakh for the entire project, including documentation and facilitation.
Sustera Foundation operates through two key pillars: the Climate Leadership Action Network-30 (CLAN 30) and the Gen-RE Collective. The CLAN-30 consists of individuals trained through Sustera’s renowned Climate Leadership Program(CLP), who are committed to driving climate solutions across various regions. The Gen-RE collective is a participatory climate finance initiative which enables members to enhance their sustainable practices and amplify their impact beyond the individual level by monthly donations. These funds support impactful climate change mitigation and adaptation projects, while reserving 30% for disaster relief efforts.
As part of the 2023 Kerala CLP, one group chose to focus on solar energy for their CLP curriculum. They identified Kasargod, a district that receives a good amount of solar insolation due to its geographical location while also experiencing frequent power outages, as a prime candidate for solar installation. They first discussed with the district panchayat president, and through continuous discussions with relevant stakeholders and primary data collection, they identified the willingness of the Kinanur Karithalam Panchayat.
The Gen-RE Collective played a crucial role in financing the project by pooling contributions from its supporters. KeyValuesystem Solutions, an IT company based in Kochi, also provided support through their corporate social responsibility (CSR) fund, facilitated by Narendran S, a climate leader from their team. Additional funds were raised through MILAP, ensuring the successful implementation of the project. In total, we raised ₹2.5 lakh for the entire project, including documentation and facilitation.
Energy Efficiency and Financial Benefits of Solar Power for Panchayats
The 2 kW on-grid solar panel installation at Chayoth Anganwadi in Ward No. 1 of the panchayat is projected to generate 500 to 600 units of electricity every two months, while the anganwadi’s consumption is only around 75 units during the same period. The power bills for anganwadis, covered by local bodies, are approximately Rs 265 every two months. Given that Kerala has 3,061 anganwadis managed by the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS), and each panchayat maintains numerous institutions with associated electricity costs, adopting energy-efficient, star-rated electrical appliances and solar systems can yield substantial benefits.
Switching to on-grid or hybrid solar systems allows panchayats to save on electricity bills and potentially generate additional income from excess electricity production. As panchayats become more adept at utilizing solar energy, they can evolve into “prosumers”—both producers and consumers of energy. This shift enables local bodies to have greater control over energy costs and production, contributing to Kerala’s net zero targets and supporting India’s goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2070.
The 2 kW on-grid solar panel installation at Chayoth Anganwadi in Ward No. 1 of the panchayat is projected to generate 500 to 600 units of electricity every two months, while the anganwadi’s consumption is only around 75 units during the same period. The power bills for anganwadis, covered by local bodies, are approximately Rs 265 every two months. Given that Kerala has 3,061 anganwadis managed by the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS), and each panchayat maintains numerous institutions with associated electricity costs, adopting energy-efficient, star-rated electrical appliances and solar systems can yield substantial benefits.
Switching to on-grid or hybrid solar systems allows panchayats to save on electricity bills and potentially generate additional income from excess electricity production. As panchayats become more adept at utilizing solar energy, they can evolve into “prosumers”—both producers and consumers of energy. This shift enables local bodies to have greater control over energy costs and production, contributing to Kerala’s net zero targets and supporting India’s goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2070.
Community Impact and Future Prospects
The choice to install the solar panel in a public, community-centric space like an Anganwadi allows for greater community engagement. In rural areas like Kinanur KarithalamPanchayat, frequent power outages create significant disruptions, especially for women managing households. This project has inspired local leadership, with panchayat members now pursuing additional solarization projects worth ₹35 lakhs, a direct reflection of the influence this initiative has had.
Despite challenges like weather conditions and procedural delays, the project was completed successfully, providing a replicable model for other regions. The learning from this project has empowered both the community and our collective with insights into renewable energy technologies, local energy policies, and collaborative project execution.
The choice to install the solar panel in a public, community-centric space like an Anganwadi allows for greater community engagement. In rural areas like Kinanur KarithalamPanchayat, frequent power outages create significant disruptions, especially for women managing households. This project has inspired local leadership, with panchayat members now pursuing additional solarization projects worth ₹35 lakhs, a direct reflection of the influence this initiative has had.
Despite challenges like weather conditions and procedural delays, the project was completed successfully, providing a replicable model for other regions. The learning from this project has empowered both the community and our collective with insights into renewable energy technologies, local energy policies, and collaborative project execution.
Moving Forward
As we continue to advocate for decentralized, sustainable energy solutions, we are exploring more multi-impact project locations and opportunities for further community-driven renewable energy installations. This project is just the beginning, and we invite you to be a part of this journey toward a more sustainable future.
Join us in this mission by supporting our collective efforts. Together, we can drive change that goes beyond individual limitations and fosters a future built on shared responsibility and action.
As we continue to advocate for decentralized, sustainable energy solutions, we are exploring more multi-impact project locations and opportunities for further community-driven renewable energy installations. This project is just the beginning, and we invite you to be a part of this journey toward a more sustainable future.
Join us in this mission by supporting our collective efforts. Together, we can drive change that goes beyond individual limitations and fosters a future built on shared responsibility and action.