India isn’t much of a solar user…so far. Its production made up just 1.7% of the world total for 2007. But it isn’t ignoring solar completely, but rather using it to make great strides in green housing. In an effort to meet its rapidly growing energy demands in an eco-friendly way, India has completed Rabi Rashmi Abasan , its first green housing project. If we thought Canada was cool , this project puts up some stiff competition. The new complex is located in Kolkata on 1.76 acres in New Town. Designed and installed by SunTechnics India, 26 PV systems using modules customized for the homes roofs make up the 58 KW housing project. Each home puts out 2 KW of power, which is enough to fulfill the energy needs of the complex as well as send extra power to the public grid. The home owner can also access the grid for power when needed. The system saves about .5 kgs of CO2 emissions for every kw hour produced. Every little bit helps in that smoggy place. As for the inhabitants, the homes’ design uses solar features to keep houses cool during summer, improve air circulation in the house, and provide hot water. To extend the green features, the complex has a shuttle system with battery operated vans, solar street lights, and a pool heated with solar power. Sounds like a pretty sweet place to live. Via Inhabitat , IndiaPRwire