For Maharashtra-based SG Heavy Engineering, deciding to go for a rooftop solar system was a no-brainer. The engineering and fabrication company realized there was a substantial saving on energy costs and an opportunity to cut its emissions by opting to adopt solar.

The 400-kW rooftop solar installation at its 200,000 sq ft facility in Wada will yield savings of up to ₹5 million (~$57,659.60) on energy costs annually.

After assessing that it would make economic sense to put up a rooftop solar system, it turned to Ohms Energy to make it possible.

It cost SG Heavy Engineering ₹15 million (~$172,979) to install the system. The company hopes the rooftop solar system will pay back in less than three years.

SG Heavy Engineering provides longitudinal submerged arc welding pipes and custom-built structures to companies in infrastructure, power, cement, warehousing sectors, airports and hangars, and shopping malls.

The company said that solar energy comprised over 30% of its energy costs. The installation from Ohms Energy is expected to save SG Heavy Engineering ₹400,000 (~$4,589) per month in electricity costs.

Conscious of the benefits of transitioning to solar, the company is in the process of installing another rooftop solar system to increase its share of renewable energy use to over 70%.

Vishal Gupta, Managing Director, SG Heavy Engineering, said, “The expertise of Ohms Energy in delivering a high-quality solar installation with high-quality solar modules that supports long-term savings made this transition effortless. We believe this move will encourage other industries to embrace solar power.”

According to Ohms Energy, fabrication, chemicals, auto ancillaries, automotive manufacturers, hospitality, and tire manufacturing sectors are increasingly adopting solar energy.

“We are excited to expand our partnerships within the engineering sector and contribute significantly to India’s Net-Zero ambitions,” said Anuraag Gupta, Director of Ohms Energy.

According to Mercom India’s Q3 2024 India Rooftop Solar Market Report, India’s industrial segment comprised 12% of the country’s total rooftop solar capacity addition in the first nine months of 2024. The commercial and government segments contributed just over 2% and nearly 1%, respectively.

Indian banks and other financial institutions are offering loans at interest rates as low as 7.5% to promote green energy adoption after a surge in rooftop solar interest among commercial and industrial (C&I) consumers. Rooftop solar projects hold significant promise, as they can effectively reduce energy costs and generate a reliable income stream if surplus energy is generated.

Mercom India has been hosting its C&I Clean Energy Meets, which are designed to create awareness and deliver measurable returns on investment while connecting energy buyers directly with top-tier solar suppliers. The next event will be held in Chennai on March 7, 2025.