Dr. Chetan Singh Solanki
Professor, IIT Bombay
Founder: Energy Swaraj Foundation
Known as: Solar Man of India / Solar Gandhi
Dr. Chetan Singh Solanki, known as the “Solar Man of India” or “Solar Gandhi”, is a trailblazer in the field of renewable energy and a leading advocate for solar power. As a professor at IIT Bombay and the founder of the Energy Swaraj Foundation, Dr. Solanki has dedicated his life to empowering communities through solar energy and promoting sustainable solutions for a cleaner, greener future.
☀️ Key Solar Contributions
- Energy Swaraj Yatra
In 2020, Dr. Solanki embarked on an 11-year journey across India in a solar-powered bus to promote Energy Swaraj—a concept he coined that advocates for localized solar solutions. The bus serves as both his home and a mobile classroom, reaching over 130,000 people across 17 Indian states and traveling over 28,000 kilometers. His goal is to inspire one crore families to adopt solar energy by 2030. - SoULS Project
As the Principal Investigator of the Solar Urja through Localization for Sustainability (SoULS) project at IIT Bombay, Dr. Solanki facilitated the production of over one million solar lanterns in just 11 months, benefiting over 7.5 million families. This project aims to provide affordable solar lighting solutions to rural and underserved areas. - Solar-Powered School
In 2010, Dr. Solanki established a solar-powered school near his village in Madhya Pradesh, providing quality education to over 1,000 students. The school operates entirely on solar power, setting a powerful example of sustainable, off-grid education. - Global Advocacy for Solar Energy
In 2019, Dr. Solanki traveled to 30 countries to raise awareness about the potential of solar energy to combat climate change. His work as a global ambassador for solar energy has helped promote solar solutions as a key to achieving global sustainability goals. - Policy Influence
Dr. Solanki serves as Chairman of various committees, including those for developing solar curricula with CBSE and AICTE, and is an advisor to international organizations in the renewable energy sector.
Inspiration Behind His Journey
Dr. Solanki’s inspiration stems from his childhood experiences with energy poverty in his village, where he lived without electricity. His firsthand experience with the hardships caused by energy access issues ignited his passion for renewable energy, and especially solar power. Reflecting on his journey, Dr. Solanki remarked:
“I grew up in darkness, both literal and metaphorical. Solar energy became my light—a way to empower not just myself but millions of others.”
Dr. Solanki’s Vision
Dr. Solanki envisions India as a global leader in decentralized renewable energy solutions. He believes rooftop solar, microgrids, and community-driven solar projects will be the key to transforming India’s energy sector. He is also a strong advocate for self-reliance in energy production, stating:
“The solution lies not just in generating clean energy but in consuming less and consuming wisely.”
Dr. Solanki argues for the importance of local ownership of solar energy, which can empower communities to take control of their energy needs. He is particularly passionate about the concept of Energy Swaraj—energy generated by locals, for locals.
Key Achievements
- Energy Swaraj Yatra: Reached over 130,000 people across 17 Indian states in his solar-powered bus, promoting localized solar solutions.
- SoULS Project: Produced over 1 million solar lanterns, impacting 7.5 million families across rural India.
- Solar-Powered School: Established the first solar-powered school in his village, providing education to over 1,000 students.
- Global Advocacy: Traveled to 30 countries to raise awareness about solar energy’s potential to fight climate change.
✅ Key Takeaways
- Technical Expertise: Dr. Solanki has authored eight books on solar PV technologies and published over 100 research papers internationally.
- Grassroots Innovation: He has empowered rural communities by training them to assemble solar lanterns, providing both skills and livelihoods.
- Policy Advocacy: Dr. Solanki has influenced India’s renewable energy education policies, ensuring that solar energy is included in school curricula.
Conclusion
Dr. Chetan Singh Solanki’s journey from a small village in Madhya Pradesh to becoming a leading advocate for solar energy in India and around the world is an inspiring example of how vision, dedication, and innovation can drive sustainable change. Through initiatives like the Energy Swaraj Yatra and the SoULS Project, Dr. Solanki has not only brought solar energy to millions but has also inspired a global movement toward sustainable energy solutions.
“The sun doesn’t rise just for me; it rises for all humanity—and it’s time we used its power wisely.”
With leaders like Dr. Solanki leading the charge, India is set to become a global leader in decentralized renewable energy, inspiring the world to adopt solar solutions as a means to combat climate change and build a sustainable future.