COIMBATORE: At a time when people are taking a keen interest in renewable energy, a nomadic family from Maharashtra has been tapping solar power for six years now.
Travelling in a light commercial vehicle, the family uses two portable solar panels to meet their energy requirements. Forty-year-old R Vedaraj says, his wife, two boys and daughter are able to manage with the solar power stored in a battery.
“As we move once every 10 days, our access to electricity used to be a challenge. There was a need for uninterrupted access to power for our daily chores. So, we purchased two portable solar panels six years ago priced around ₹5,000 each. ” Vedaraj has recently set up a shop, which is at the back of his vehicle, to sell traditional medicine near Kurichi lake in Coimbatore.
With the electricity generated by solar panels, Vedaraj says the family is able to charge their mobile phones, operate a loudspeaker to advertise their products, use an electric fan and light up their makeshift tent at night. “The power can be used uninterrupted or saved in the portable battery,” he says.
The family of humble means that was used to darkness after sundown or streetlights during their journey was recommended the portable solar panels by some friends. “Almost six years on, it continues to serve the purpose — lighting the dark. If there is additional power usage, we may also buy another panel to meet the requirement,” says Vedaraj, who finds the handy lightweight solar panels a boon.
With the pandemic on the decline, the Maharashtra man hints at travelling back to his hometown. “Except for my elder son, the two children were going to school until the pandemic struck the country two years ago. My elder son will soon take over the family business of selling traditional ayurvedic medicines,” says Vedaraj. His younger son Dheeraj, 11, wants to work with the Indian Army.
Choosing naturally sustainable options that are easy on the pocket, Vedaraj hopes his choices become lessons for his children.
