A nomadic family that lives on solar energy!

The family members said they watch the television, use an induction stove for cooking and recharge their mobile phones through the electricity generated by solar panels.

COIMBATORE: At a time when the world is taking a keen interest in sustainable energy and its uses, a nomadic family from Maharashtra has been tapping into solar power for seven years now.

The family of five, who have currently set up a tent that serves as a shop near Kaniyur toll plaza on the Salem-Kochi highway, travel from place to place in their van and use portable solar panels to meet their energy requirements.

J Bijender (37), said, "As we keep moving from one place to another, access to electricity became a challenge. There was a need for having access to electricity for our daily routine."

The family stays at a spot for 10 days and then moves to the next. They sell ayurvedic products near the highways to eke out a living.

Bijender said he purchased the solar panels from a seller in Mettupalayam Road in the city seven years ago.

The family members said they watch the television, use an induction stove for cooking and recharge their mobile phones - all with the electricity generated by the solar panels.

Bijender explained that a day's solar power is enough to light up his makeshift tent during the night.  

His father Jai Singh (70) said the solar panels cost them around Rs 7,000. The solar panels perform their duty very well but not when it rains or when there is a heavy cloud, he added.

2 December 2019

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