MRs. Sita Debi
BLOG: Site Visit to Benares
Project Surya Chakra: Expanding Solar Power in Rural Benares
Project Surya Chakra began with a simple question: What are the steps that we can take to make clean energy accessible to those who need it the most? The answer led us to the rural atta chakkis of India—small flour mills that power local economies but often struggle with high electricity costs and poor working conditions. As a part of truly understanding the workings and the economics behind atta chakkis, we visited eight atta chakkis over the course of 3 days. The chakkis consisted of three where we had already onboarded the owners and installed solar panels, and five that we had newly onboarded during the period of the visit.
The Initial Visit: A Glimpse into Rural Life
Our journey to the outskirts of Benares was a stark reminder of both the beauty and hardships of rural India. The 100-kilometer drive took us through vast, endless fields of wheat and mustard, where life moves at a different pace. An absence of power lines was also noted, signifying the lack of stable grid energy in the area. Behind the picturesque scenery, however, many atta chakki owners face daily struggles—unreliable electricity, expensive diesel generators, and hazardous working conditions.
At every mill we visited, we were welcomed with warmth and curiosity. We saw flour-covered floors, bags of harvest piled upon each other, massive grinding stones churning tirelessly and workers braving the dust-filled air. It was clear that these small businesses are the backbone of their communities, helping process the end goods of many farmers in the area, providing fresh flour to local families and jobs to many.
The Problems We Set Out to Solve
During our discussions with atta chakki owners, two major issues stood out:
Solar Panel Maintenance: Some of our existing customers had solar panels installed but were unsure how to clean and maintain them. Without proper upkeep, efficiency declines, reducing cost savings.
Mustard Gas and wheat dust Irritation: Several mill owners grinding mustard seeds and wheat reported experiencing eye and respiratory irritation. After further investigation, we realised that this irritation was caused by allyl isothiocyanate (AITC), a volatile compound responsible for mustard's pungency as well as the wheat dust released from the processing of wheat. Not only does this irritation affect the daily lives of workers, but they can also cause chronic issues with the eyes and the respiratory tract.
These conversations reinforced our belief that sustainability isn't just about installing solar panels—it’s about ensuring they work effectively and that workers have safe environments to operate in.
Onboarding New Customers
Despite these challenges, there was immense enthusiasm for solar adoption. We successfully onboarded five new customers who were eager to switch to solar power to reduce their electricity bills and improve business sustainability. By showing them how solar energy could lower costs in the long run, we built trust and excitement around the initiative.
Addressing the Challenges
Understanding these challenges is key to improving our initiative. Moving forward, we plan to:
- Conduct training sessions on solar panel upkeep to ensure maximum efficiency and longevity.
- Provide protective eyewear and safety measures to counter the effects of mustard gas exposure.
- Strengthen awareness and education programs so that customers can fully harness the benefits of their solar systems.
Looking Ahead
This trip reinforced our commitment to making solar energy accessible and practical for rural communities. By listening to the needs of the people we serve, we can refine our approach and create an even greater impact. Project Surya Chakra is not just about installing solar panels; it’s about empowering communities with knowledge, resources, and a sustainable future.
With every visit, every onboarded customer, and every lesson learned, we take one step closer to transforming rural livelihoods through clean energy. The journey has just begun, and we are excited for what lies ahead.
Our Approach
Change is a step-by-step process, and meaningful impact starts with understanding. That’s why we visited regions with a high concentration of rural MSMEs, particularly atta chakkis, to engage directly with workers, listen to their challenges, and assess their needs. From unreliable power supply to financial constraints, we gained firsthand insights into the obstacles they face daily. This groundwork allows us to develop tailored solutions—whether through solar panel installations, skills training, or financial support—that empower them to enhance productivity, reduce costs, and improve their quality of life.