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					</table><p>Facing high electricity costs and unreliable power supply, a leading pharmaceutical company in Himachal Pradesh’s Baddi saw a way out with a customized 1.122 MW rooftop solar leasing solution.</p>
<p>Developed by <a href="https://twopointo.in/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Two Point O Capital</a>, the solution had the potential to reduce costs with cheaper power and more reliability.</p>
<p>Six months since its installation, the company is looking to trim its power costs by ₹11.5 million (~$120,679) annually.</p>
<p>The solution is 82% cheaper than grid power and 66% cheaper than the power purchase agreement (PPA) alternative.</p>
<p>The rooftop solar system was installed by Two Point O in December last year. The company would have to pay ₹5.7 (~$0.0598)/kWh for the first five years, after which the solar asset would be transferred to it at zero cost.</p>
<p>High-efficiency TOPCon 610 modules, preferred by commercial and industrial enterprises, were used in the project.</p>
<p>The pharmaceutical company needed a solution that could deliver assured savings, more control over generation, and reliable operations without creating an upfront CAPEX burden.</p>
<p>Without the leasing solution, grid power is expected to cost an average of ₹9.9 (~$0.104)/kWh over 20 years, translating into a total electricity cost of ₹285 million (~$2.99 million).</p>
<p>An open-access PPA would have cost the company approximately ₹5.2 (~$0.0546)/kWh, but it had limitations regarding asset quality, generation control, and long-term accountability.</p>
<p>With its five-year rooftop solar leasing solution, Two Point O Capital will take responsibility for the equipment, installation, commissioning, annual maintenance, and ongoing generation performance.</p>
<p>Over 20 years, the levelized cost of electricity under the lease model is projected to be ₹1.7 (~$0.0178)/kWh, compared to ₹9.9 (~$0.1039)/kWh for grid electricity and ₹5.2 (~$0.0546)/kWh under the open-access PPA option.</p>
<p>In absolute terms, the total cost of power generation over 20 years under the lease model is estimated at ₹51 million (~$535,184), as compared to ₹285 million (~$2.99 million) using grid power. The outcome is projected savings of approximately ₹230 million (~$2.41 million) over 20 years.</p>
<p>The system is expected to generate around 1.5 million units of power in the first year and nearly 29 million units over 20 years.</p>
<p>For manufacturers facing rising grid tariffs and uncertain open-access arrangements, rooftop solar leasing offers a viable path to lower costs and greater control over generation.</p>
<p>India added 2.7 GW of rooftop solar capacity in the first quarter (Q1) of 2026, a year-over-year growth of 125.4% from 1.2 GW, according to Mercom India Research’s newly released <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/product/rooftop-solar-market-report-q1-2026" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Q1 2026 India Rooftop Solar Market Report</a>. The industrial, commercial, and government segments contributed approximately 11%, 7%, and 0.4% of the quarterly additions, respectively.</p>
<p>Mercom India also hosts a pan-India C&amp;I Clean Energy Meet series, bringing renewable energy developers and commercial and industrial power consumers together to discuss clean energy adoption. The next event will be <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/event/c-and-i-clean-energy-meet-2026-hyderabad" target="_blank" rel="noopener">held </a>in Hyderabad on August 21, 2026.</p>


Pharma Firm Eyes Yearly Savings of ₹11.5 Million with Rooftop Solar Leasing


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					</table><p>India’s textile industry has always been energy-intensive. But with rising power costs and growing pressure to reduce carbon emissions, textile manufacturers are increasingly turning to solar power as a practical business solution.</p>
<p>A recent rooftop solar installation at Dhanish Cotton Mills in Punjai Puliampatti, Erode, Tamil Nadu, shows how clean energy is becoming an important part of industrial competitiveness.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.skyparc.in/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Skyparc Energy India</a> installed and commissioned a 424.96 kW rooftop solar power project for Dhanish Cotton Mills. The project was completed in just 45 days.</p>
<p>The installation uses high-efficiency <a href="https://credencesolar.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Credence</a> Bifacial N-Type TOPCon solar modules and <a href="https://www.fronius.com/en-in/india" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Fronius</a> inverters, including three Fronius Tauro 100 kW inverters and one Fronius 50 kW inverter.</p>
<p>The project is expected to generate nearly 1 million units of electricity annually. Based on the estimated generation and prevailing power costs, the annual savings are expected to be around ₹7 million (~$73,250).</p>
<p>For a textile manufacturer, rooftop solar offers a compelling combination of cost savings, sustainability, and energy security.</p>
<p>Skyparc, with a portfolio of around 150 MW of rooftop projects, completed the installation at Dhanish Cotton Mills without major execution challenges.</p>
<p>Industrial consumers often face higher electricity charges during peak periods. In Tamil Nadu, the peak charges are around ₹9.37 (~$0.0981)/kWh. Rooftop solar generation during daylight hours helps offset a portion of expensive grid power, yielding significant savings on electricity expenses.</p>
<p>Dhanish opted for rooftop solar installation after considering regulatory and operational challenges. It also evaluated the ground-mounted solar option, but issues with open access, deviation settlement mechanism regulations, and energy adjustment in Tamil Nadu led them to opt for rooftop solar.</p>
<p>For Dhanish Cotton Mills, rooftop solar offered a more direct and practical solution. The company could use its existing roof space to generate on-site electricity and reduce power costs without relying on more complex power adjustment mechanisms. More and more industrial clusters in Tamil Nadu and across India are adopting rooftop solar, underscoring growing acceptance among commercial and industrial customers to cut power costs and accelerate sustainable development.</p>
<p>Mercom had earlier reported about a New Delhi-based textile mill, RMP Group, <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/textile-manufacturer-rmp-group-goes-solar-to-cut-power-expenses" target="_blank" rel="noopener">opting</a> for a 433-kW rooftop solar installation at its Faridabad facility to reduce power costs. RMP Group expects to cut power costs by 83% with this installation.</p>
<p>Mercom India hosts a pan-India C&amp;I Clean Energy Meet series, bringing renewable energy developers and commercial and industrial power consumers together to discuss clean energy adoption. The next event will be <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/event/c-and-i-clean-energy-meet-2026-hyderabad" target="_blank" rel="noopener">held</a> in Hyderabad on August 21, 2026.</p>


Dhanish Cotton Mills Installs Rooftop Solar to Cut Carbon Emissions


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					</table><p>Commercial and industrial (C&amp;I) entities, large institutions, and residential complexes are increasingly turning to clean power solutions that offer greater cost efficiency than conventional grid tariffs. Rooftop solar has long been an attractive option for reducing operating expenses and enhancing sustainability credentials. However, beyond on-site installations, solar open access is rapidly emerging as a scalable alternative, enabling businesses to procure renewable energy at larger volumes while optimizing long-term cost savings.</p>
<p><strong>Growth of Open Access Across the C&amp;I Segment</strong></p>
<p>Tamil Nadu has emerged as a strong market for solar open access, with approximately 2.7 GW installed as of September 2025, accounting for nearly 9.6% of India&#8217;s total installations. The state’s supportive regulatory framework, combined with a growing portfolio of hybrid (solar + wind) projects, has made it an attractive destination for C&amp;I consumers seeking reliable and competitively priced green power.</p>
<p>Rahul Makahaniya, Chief Marketing Officer at <a href="https://soleosenergy.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Soleos Energy</a>, shares that before opting to procure green energy via open access, companies must decide on the appropriate procurement model &#8211; captive, group captive, or third-party. The group captive model, which is widely preferred, requires consumers to hold at least 26% equity in the project and commit to a long-term power purchase agreement (PPA), typically with a 12–15-year lock-in. Key commercial considerations include the PPA tariff, equity contribution, lock-in period, and termination clauses.</p>
<p>He added that the process from feasibility assessment and term sheet execution to land acquisition, regulatory approvals, construction, and commissioning typically takes eight to twelve months.</p>
<p>“Tamil Nadu is also among the leading states in India in terms of strong solar irradiation levels. Solar projects in the state generally generate around 1.4-1.5 million units annually, with a capacity utilization factor (CUF) of 17–19%, ensuring strong generation performance and predictable returns,” Makahaniya added.</p>
<p>While the transition to solar energy is central to advancing a low-carbon future while supporting economic growth, electrical systems play a critical role in efficiently capturing, converting, and distributing solar power.</p>
<p>In the utility-scale segment, the overriding objective is to continuously improve efficiency and reduce the Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE). Every component is evaluated for its ability to minimize losses and enhance project returns.</p>
<p>The Balance of System (BOS) encompasses all components of a photovoltaic system beyond the solar modules, including inverters, mounting structures, transformers, switchgear, earthing, and cables. These elements are essential for converting DC power to AC, ensuring operational safety, optimizing energy yield, and maintaining long-term system reliability.</p>
<p>“C&amp;I customers are increasingly adopting open access solar solutions. We have supplied over 40 GW of switchgears across open-access, rooftop solar, and utility-scale projects,” said Suresh R, Senior Manager, <a href="https://www.lk-ea.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Lauritz Knudsen Electrical &amp; Automation</a>.</p>
<p>Depending on project design and scale, BoS components can account for roughly 20–30% of project cost, making them a critical determinant of overall return on investment. Improper sizing or poor-quality BoS design can result in transmission losses and reduced delivered energy.</p>
<p>“When selecting switchgear, transformers, and other equipment, the design must align with the specific project size, which varies from customer to customer. Solar infrastructure cannot be approached with a copy-and-paste methodology; each project requires customized engineering based on inverter output, system capacity, and grid requirements. Appropriate BoS selection has a direct impact on efficiency, reliability, and long-term financial performance,” Suresh added.</p>
<p><strong>Rise of Energy Storage </strong></p>
<p>As renewable energy adoption accelerates across India, battery energy storage systems (BESS) are emerging as enablers. What began as a complementary technology to solar and wind is fast evolving into a strategic asset for businesses seeking enhanced energy reliability, peak load management, and long-term cost optimization.</p>
<p>Makahaniya said, “Some states have already introduced or drafted mandates requiring storage integration. Storage currently adds approximately ₹2 (~$0.022)/kWh to ₹2.5 (~$0.027)/kWh above solar tariffs, which may limit its attractiveness without policy mandates. However, storage becomes viable in specific scenarios such as for data centers requiring round-the-clock renewable power, high-tariff consumers like hotels and hospitals, or as a replacement for expensive diesel generation.”</p>
<p>Overall, clean power purchase is no longer driven solely by environmental considerations. It is a strategic financial decision that enables businesses to reduce electricity costs, manage long-term risk, and move toward sustainability goals.</p>
<p>To truly optimize savings, companies must carefully select the right procurement model, ensure sound technical design, especially for BoS components, and evaluate the role of storage based on policy and operational needs.</p>
<p>On the changing face of BoS for solar plus BESS, Suresh noted that the voltage system used in residential rooftop installations is 15 volts, whereas the ground-mount system currently operates at 800 volts. And with BESS, there are other components besides LV panels, medium-voltage panels, transformers, and cables. The additional components are an isolator panel, which will be included in this system. Also, there will be a power conversion system (PCS), a battery management system, and an energy management system.</p>
<p>“For solar with BESS, there are both AC and DC couplings. Most go with AC coupling, but DC coupling is the future. In solar-plus-BESS, the AC part of the transformer is connected to the isolator panel, then to the PCS system, and finally to the BESS containers. When we use a DC coupling system, the DC generation can be fed directly to the isolation panel and then to the BESS. These are the additional components that come with BoS,” Suresh added.</p>
<p><strong>Savings Drive Growth of BESS</strong></p>
<p>Regarding the loss of savings owing to delays in approvals for open access projects, Makahaniya said, “If a company is planning a 1 MW solar project, the typical savings they will be realizing compared to the grid tariff is around ₹3 (~$0.033)/kWh. Considering solar energy generation of 1.5 million units annually, the annual savings will be around ₹4.5 million (~$49,686). If the adoption is delayed by six months, the customer loses nearly ₹2.4 million (~$26,499) in savings, which is far greater than the cost savings in case of a reduction in module and other component prices.”</p>
<p>Commenting on the savings for solar plus BESS, he said, “Take the case of the cement industry, automobile industry, or data centers, which run 24&#215;7, they pay ₹15 (~$0.16)/kWh-₹16 (~$0.17)/kWh to procure power. If they use solar plus BESS as an entire replacement for a commercial unit, it is definitely viable. The cost of solar is around ₹3 (~$0.033)/kWh to ₹4 (~$0.044)/kWh, and adding another ₹2 (~$0.022)/kWh for BESS saves around ₹10 (~$0.11)/kWh, which is a big number. This explains the growing popularity of solar plus BESS among commercial consumers.”</p>
<p>Another aspect of BESS is the replacement of diesel generator (DG) sets. Traditionally used for backup power during outages or peak demand, DGs incur high operating costs. In contrast, BESS charging from renewable energy or the grid can significantly lower backup power costs.</p>
<p>Makahaniya noted, “When you generate power through DG sets, it costs ₹18 (~$0.19)-₹24 (~$0.27)/kWh. So rather than doing that, consumers can deploy BESS, which is nearly ₹8 (~$0.088)/kWh cheaper than DG sets, which is a big saving.”</p>
<p>“BESS is completely viable if power cuts are very common. If the power cut happens once a month, then the capital cost is too high, and you don’t need to go for it. So, these are the factors that should be looked into before replacing DG sets with BESS,” he added.</p>
<p>At Mercom India’s <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/event/c-and-i-clean-energy-meet-2026-coimbatore" target="_blank" rel="noopener">C&amp;I Clean Energy Meet</a> in Coimbatore, experts highlighted that rising electricity tariffs, evolving regulations, and higher savings are making renewable energy a strategic choice for C&amp;I consumers.</p>
<p>The main takeaway was the growing demand for open access and BESS as viable alternatives to rooftop solar for C&amp;I consumers, especially in Tamil Nadu.</p>
<p>Industry experts noted that while storage may not yet deliver immediate returns, it is steadily becoming integral to the energy landscape, driven primarily by the need for grid stability, savings, and greater renewable integration.</p>
<p>For certain segments, particularly high-tariff consumers and diesel-dependent users, BESS is already offering a clear economic advantage. As solar open access expands, storage is fast changing from a future consideration to a necessity in the C&amp;I energy mix.</p>
<p>The next Mercom India C&amp;I Clean Energy Meet event will be <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/event/c-and-i-clean-energy-meet-2026-bhopal" target="_blank" rel="noopener">held</a> in Bhopal on March 13, 2026.</p>


Solar and Battery Storage Lead C&I Shift Toward Clean Power Procurement


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					</table><p>Rising electricity tariffs and evolving regulations are pushing India’s commercial and industrial (C&amp;I) consumers to rethink how they procure power. Businesses are increasingly turning to renewable energy sources to meet their power requirements.</p>
<p>Rooftop solar, green energy open access, supported by battery energy storage solutions as required, can significantly reduce electricity costs while improving the availability of reliable power.</p>
<p>According to Jayant Mhetar, Chief Executive Officer at <a href="https://ztric.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ZTRIC India</a>, commercial consumers paying electricity tariffs of ₹15 (~$0.16)/kWh to ₹20 (~$0.22)/kWh can recover their rooftop solar investments in as few as 12 to 18 months. Industrial consumers with lower tariffs typically have payback periods of 2 to 3 years.</p>
<p>Rooftop solar, however, has a few challenges. Limited roof space often prevents industries from meeting their full power demand solely through solar installations. This is where green open access regulations are proving transformative.</p>
<p>Recent policy changes allow even low-tension and high-tension consumers with loads above 100 kW to procure renewable power through open access—something that was earlier viable only for large, multi-megawatt consumers.</p>
<p>There is a general consensus that industries should first optimize rooftop solar, then procure green energy through open access to cover residual demand.</p>
<p>Rahul Mahakaniya, Chief Marketing Officer at <a href="https://soleosenergy.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Soleos Energy</a>, stressed the importance of choosing the right model for open access.</p>
<p>While project execution typically takes 4 to 6 months, decision-making often takes longer as companies evaluate risks, savings, and policy frameworks. “Open access is no longer just a sustainability decision—it’s a financial strategy,” he said.</p>
<p>Contrary to common perception, open access power purchase agreements (PPAs) can be simpler and more flexible. Since power is supplied virtually from a solar park, companies can relocate operations without stranding assets on a roof.</p>
<p><strong>Maharashtra at the Forefront</strong></p>
<p>Maharashtra is among the leading states in renewable energy adoption. As of September 2025, the state has nearly 4.8 GW of open-access solar capacity installed, <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/product/q3-2025-mercom-india-solar-open-access-market-report" target="_blank" rel="noopener">accounting</a> for over 17% of India’s total open-access installations and ranking second nationally in both rooftop and open-access solar.</p>
<p>Despite recent regulatory uncertainty, Maharashtra continues to maintain a strong pipeline of open access and hybrid renewable projects, creating opportunities for industries seeking cost-efficient, cleaner power.</p>
<p><strong>Battery Storage: From Grid Stability to Reliability</strong></p>
<p>Battery energy storage systems (BESS) have emerged as a key element. Although current economic conditions limit direct savings for many industrial consumers, batteries are increasingly critical to grid stability and reliability.</p>
<p>“Batteries are growing in popularity not because of savings alone, but because the grid needs them,” said Mahakaniya, noting that states are already reducing banking provisions and considering battery mandates in upcoming tariff orders.</p>
<p>For commercial consumers and data centers with high tariffs or critical uptime requirements, batteries can already be viable, especially when replacing or supplementing diesel generators.</p>
<p>There is a wide cost difference between battery systems and diesel generators. Battery-backed power is available at ₹6.5 (~$0.07)-₹10 (~$0.11)/kWh, whereas operating diesel generation costs around ₹18 (~$0.19)-₹24 (~$0.27)/kWh.</p>
<p>While batteries may not fully replace diesel sets, they can significantly reduce diesel dependence and operating costs, particularly for short-duration outages.</p>
<p><strong>Why Waiting Rarely Pays Off</strong></p>
<p>Experts also caution against delaying renewable investments in anticipation of lower prices.</p>
<p>“Solar prices have largely stabilized,” said Mahakaniya. “Waiting a year to save marginal capex often results in far greater losses.”</p>
<p>The advice to C&amp;I consumers is clear: treat renewable energy as a financial investment, not just a green initiative.</p>
<p>At Mercom India’s <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/event/c-and-i-clean-energy-meet-2026-nashik" target="_blank" rel="noopener">C&amp;I Clean Energy Meet</a> in Nashik, experts highlighted that rising electricity tariffs and evolving regulations are making renewable energy a strategic financial choice for C&amp;I consumers. The main takeaway was a clear adoption strategy: prioritize rooftop solar, then utilize green open access to cover residual demand, as recent policy adjustments have made open access practical even for smaller consumers.</p>
<p>Speakers also emphasized that open-access PPAs, when structured as balanced, long-term agreements, can offer flexibility, predictable savings, and greater scalability than rooftop-only</p>
<p>solutions. They added that battery energy storage is expected to become an integral part of the ecosystem—driven primarily by grid stability and reliability rather than immediate savings—while already offering cost advantages over diesel generators for certain users.</p>
<p>Above all, the discussion emphasized that delaying renewable investments in anticipation of lower prices rarely pays off, and treating clean power procurement as a financial investment and acting early delivers the greatest savings.</p>
<p>The next Mercom India C&amp;I Clean Energy Meet event will be <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/event/c-and-i-clean-energy-meet-2026-coimbatore" target="_blank" rel="noopener">held</a> in Coimbatore on February 5, 2026.</p>


C&I Power Procurement Shifts to Open Access and Rooftop Solar Amid Rising Tariffs


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					</table><p>Rooftop solar is steadily transitioning from an environmental choice to a financial necessity for India’s commercial and industrial (C&amp;I) sector, but system costs, technology, and regulatory policies shape the path to adoption.</p>
<p>In solar-rich Rajasthan, conducive policies and growing awareness are helping businesses adopt rooftop solar. While the momentum is picking up, C&amp;I entities must equip themselves with knowledge of the relevant policies, the optimal capacity of the rooftop solar system, and system costs to maximize savings from making the switch.</p>
<p>Electricity expenses can account for as high as 40% of an industrial unit’s operational cost. Adopting rooftop solar, therefore, is an economically and environmentally prudent choice.</p>
<p>According to Arvind Datt Semwal, Domestic Head at <a href="https://www.adanisolar.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Adani Solar</a>, when transitioning to rooftop solar, identifying the load pattern, the age of the building, and the earthing for the systems are important first steps.</p>
<p>Stressing the need to choose reliable engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contractors, installers say that shade on a rooftop solar system can reduce energy generation by 30% to 40%.</p>
<p>Since 40% of an industrial unit’s costs are attributed to electricity expenses, rooftop solar can provide significant relief to businesses.</p>
<p>Raghunath V.C., Director at <a href="https://www.adanigreenenergy.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Swelect Energy</a>, explained that the setup costs for a rooftop system can be addressed through a renewable energy service company (RESCO) or a capital expenditure (CAPEX) model.</p>
<p>Under the CAPEX model, C&amp;I units procuring power from the grid at a tariff of ₹8 (~$0.09)/kWh–₹10 (~$0.11)/kWh, need to spend ₹3 (~$0.03)/kWh to ₹3.5 (~$0.039)/kWh on a rooftop system with an assured payback of three to five years.</p>
<p>He emphasized that consumers should not size their projects above their requirements, adding that in Rajasthan, consumers can only bank power up to 1 MW every month.</p>
<p>Pratibha Sharma, Head- Sales and Marketing (North India) at <a href="https://www.deyeinverter.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ningbo Deye New Energy</a>, stated that selecting the right inverter can also help consumers achieve a greater return on investment.</p>
<p>She stated that inverters play a crucial role in the rooftop solar system. Various inverters are available in the market, offering differing efficiencies. Consumers should select inverters based on their specific requirements.</p>
<p>Installers state that a 1 MW rooftop solar system typically costs between ₹35 million (~$394,398) and ₹45 million (~$507,083).</p>
<p>In ideal conditions, installers report that a 1 MW rooftop project generates approximately 1.2 million to 1.7 million units annually, with a payback period of five years.</p>
<p>Addressing consumer concerns about varying quotes for rooftop solar projects, Semwal stated that solar pricing depends on factors such as project site and sizing, inverter type, risk factors, industry, and loan arrangements.</p>
<p>Raghunath said solar modules account for 65% to 70% of the cost, while the mounting structure accounts for 8% to 10%.</p>
<p>He said if the building’s structure is weak, it can increase the system’s cost by 4% to 5%. “Operations and maintenance costs and the cable costs also determine the pricing variations.”</p>
<p>Sharma highlighted that the use of battery energy storage systems (BESS) is rapidly growing, with many large businesses transitioning to storage systems. BESS helps consumers save on the expenses of running diesel generators. It also helps ensure greater power reliability in areas with high power outages.</p>
<p>She emphasized the importance of evaluating backup requirements, designing battery sizes based on customer needs, and assessing load profiles during the installation of hybrid inverters with storage solutions.</p>
<p>The benefits and requirements for installing rooftop solar systems were <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/event/c-and-i-clean-energy-meet-2025-jaipur" target="_blank" rel="noopener">discussed</a> at Mercom’s C&amp;I Clean Energy Meet in Jaipur.</p>
<p>Mercom India hosts the C&amp;I Clean Energy Meet series to bring together various stakeholders in the renewable energy value chain and address their concerns in transitioning to solar energy.</p>
<p>The next event will be held in <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/event/c-and-i-clean-energy-meet-2025-bhubaneswar" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Bhubaneshwar</a> on November 14, 2025.</p>
<p><a href="mailto:sales@mercomindia.com?subject=Seeking%20Solar%20Installation%20Guidance%20and%20Vendor%20Recommendations%20for%20Business" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact us</a> if you plan to install solar and need guidance or recommendations for vendors.</p>


Rajasthan C&I Units Switching to Rooftop Solar to Cut Power Bills


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					</table><p>After living in different cities, Suhas B Shetty’s homecoming was driven by an urge to use local talent to build something of his own.</p>
<p>Shetty decided to use what was abundantly available to set up his business — his grandmother’s homemade organic ice cream recipes. He started small with a manufacturing unit and a store in Nellore, Andhra Pradesh, his hometown. “Our first batch sold out in a few days,” said Shetty, the founder of <a href="https://icebergicecreams.in/pages/about-us" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Iceberg Organic Ice Creams</a>.</p>
<p>Gradually, the company expanded to over 70 outlets nationwide, resulting in increased electricity consumption. “Expanding to around 6,000 liters of ice cream per day meant bigger cold storage facilities, advanced machinery, and very high power bills,” said Shetty.</p>
<p>In 2021, Shetty decided to switch to solar power to reduce his rising electricity bills.</p>
<p>“It was a huge investment initially, but I knew that in the long run, I would be saving more than what I invested,” he said.</p>
<p>His Nellore factory has a 55 kW rooftop solar system, which cost Shetty ₹4.5 million (~$52,561) to install.</p>
<p>“About 80% of our electricity needs are met through the solar system. We have recovered our initial investment and are now saving nearly ₹100,000 (~$1,169) to ₹150,000 (~$1,753) per month,” he said.</p>
<p>Before switching to solar, Shetty’s power bills would amount to ₹350,000 (~$4,089.55) per month. Now, his monthly bill comes to about ₹250,000 (~$2,921).</p>
<p>“The system has 75 panels, which roughly produce 5,000 units of electricity per month. Our installer was Tata Power,” said Shetty.</p>
<p>Shetty added that while procuring electricity from the grid was not an issue, given the limited power cuts, saving on energy bills was a key motivator for him to switch to solar.</p>
<p>“Apart from savings, I wanted to make my operations more eco-friendly. The ice cream we make is a testament to our belief in living in harmony with nature. We also have a waste treatment plant to cut our carbon footprint.”</p>
<p>Many industries have been switching to solar energy to generate clean power and reduce their electricity bills.</p>
<p>In the first quarter (Q1) of 2025, the industrial and commercial segments <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/india-adds-1-2-gw-of-rooftop-solar-capacity-in-q1-2025-a-232-yoy-growth" target="_blank" rel="noopener">accounted</a> for over 22% of the rooftop solar installations in India. India added 1.2 GW of rooftop solar capacity during the quarter, up 232% year-over-year from 366.5 MW, according to Mercom India Research’s Rooftop Solar Market Report.</p>
<p>Mercom India hosts <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/event" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mercom India C&amp;I Clean Energy Meets</a> across the country to help consumers wanting to make a green switch to network with clean energy solution providers.</p>
<p>The next event in the series will be <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/event/c-and-i-clean-energy-meet-2025-coimbatore" target="_blank" rel="noopener">held</a> in Coimbatore on June 13, 2025.</p>


Nellore Ice Cream Factory Switches to Solar, Saves ₹150,000 Per Month


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					</table><p>The Commercial and Industrial (C&amp;I) sector can get a 20-25% return on investment (RoI) by investing in rooftop solar.</p>
<p>At the recent <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/event/c-and-i-clean-energy-meet-2025-mumbai" target="_blank" rel="noopener">C&amp;I Clean Energy Meet</a> hosted by Mercom India in Mumbai, leading open access and rooftop solar developers shed light on the financial savings from shifting to solar.</p>
<p>Representatives from Kalpa Power, Adani Solar, and Soleos Solar Energy participated in the discussion.</p>
<p><strong>Savings</strong></p>
<p>Rounak Muthiyan, Managing Director of <a href="https://kalpapower.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Kalpa Power</a>, stated that customers must choose between rooftop or open access based on the quantum of savings and charges they are willing to pay.</p>
<p>“In rooftop solar, consumers can replace not more than 55% of energy consumption, and in open-access, they can stretch that to 75-80%. Solar energy allows consumers to offset in real-time when the generation happens. In open access, they can bank the power and compensate it in a particular period. As per the current policy, consumers can offset renewable energy for 20 hours a day in open access, and with rooftop solar, they can get 12-16 hours a day to offset. Under open access, consumers will have to pay a tariff for using the state electricity grid estimated at ₹1 (~$0.011)/kWh-₹4 (~$0.046)/kWh,” said Muthiyan.</p>
<p>He added that every listed company in the U.S. or exporting to the country must submit carbon avoidance plans to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and the Securities and Exchange Board of India. “Suppliers in developed countries are mandated to set down their scope avoidance plans. Banks have a balance sheet reduction of sustainable behaviors, which mandates all financial institutions to lend to renewables,” added Muthiyan.</p>
<p>Additionally, under Section 32 of the Income Tax Act, companies can benefit from a 40% accelerated depreciation and an additional 20% on projects and machinery for micro, small, and medium enterprises. The solar asset’s book value with a project life of ten years can be written off to zero in three to three and a half years.</p>
<p>Experts pointed out that the electricity tariffs for commercial units ranged between ₹14 (~$0.16)/kWh and ₹22 (~$0.25)/kWh, and for industries it was in the ₹9 (~$0.105)/kWh to ₹12 (~$0.14)/kWh range.</p>
<p>With rooftop solar, consumers can save up to six times compared to the grid tariff. This means, against the DISCOM tariff of ₹10 (~$0.117)/kWh, they can avail solar power between ₹1.5 (~$0.017)/kWh and ₹2 (~$0.023)/kWh. Open-access consumers can buy solar power at around ₹4 (~$0.046)/kWh, resulting in 60% savings.</p>
<p>Experts said that customers are looking for payback between two and a half to four years, and solar energy can provide an assured return of 20%.</p>
<p>Animesh Jain, Regional Head- West, <a href="https://www.adanisolar.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Adani Solar</a>, said, “The C&amp;I sector is aiming to achieve 7.5 GW rooftop solar installations by the end of this year. There are multiple forces driving this, but a 20-25% ROI per year makes for an attractive solution.”</p>
<p><strong>Growing Demand for Solar</strong></p>
<p>Experts said the demand for open access is increasing in the C&amp;I sector.</p>
<p>Bhavesh Kumar Rathod, Founder and Director of <a href="https://www.soleosenergy.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Soleos Solar Energy</a>, said that with a major policy push, increasing electricity costs, and decreasing costs of solar projects, the demand for solar power from C&amp;I consumers is expected to surge.</p>
<p>Rathod said the demand also comes from companies intending to go green and export-oriented companies who must meet 100% ESG goals.</p>
<p>“India is tripling its solar capacity and will be able to reach five times the capacity within five years,” he said.</p>
<p>Experts said there is sufficient demand for solar capacity additions from existing and strong demand from new consumers. However, consumers are holding back due to a lack of policy clarity on rooftop solar and open-access projects.</p>
<p>At the C&amp;I Clean Energy Meet hosted by Mercom in Chennai on March 7, 2025, industry experts from leading financial institutions also <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/attractive-financing-options-rooftop-solar" target="_blank" rel="noopener">discussed</a> multiple lending options, loan structures, and interest rates available for businesses investing in solar energy.</p>
<p>The next Mercom India C&amp;I Clean Energy Meet event will be held in <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/event/c-and-i-clean-energy-meet-2025-pune" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Pune</a> on May 16, 2025.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/lead-generation-form" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact us</a> if you plan to install solar and need guidance or vendor recommendations.</p>


Commercial and Industrial Businesses Can Earn 20-25% ROI by Switching to Solar


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					</table><div>Here are some noteworthy cleantech developments from around the world</div>
<p><a href="https://ampenergyindia.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Amp Energy India</strong></a><strong> has signed a power purchase agreement (PPA) for a 200 MW wind-solar hybrid project with Solar Energy Corporation of India (<a href="https://www.seci.co.in/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">SECI</a>) under Hybrid Tranche-V.</strong> With the signing of the PPA, the company’s hybrid portfolio now accounts for roughly 600 MW. Amp Energy has a 1 GW+ portfolio of diversified utility-scale projects in solar, hybrid, and floating solar, catering to utility customers on a large scale to help fulfill their renewable purchase obligations.</p>
<p><strong>Renewable energy developer Oriano has </strong><a href="https://www.businesswireindia.com/oriano-commissions-40-mw-captive-solar-power-project-in-jharkhand-and-bihar-for-ms-shree-cement-limited-82525.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>commissioned</strong></a><strong> 40 MW solar power projects for Shree Cement. </strong> A 30 MW project, split into two projects of 15 MW each is located at Banka, Bihar, and was recently commissioned in January 2023. In July 2022, another project of 10 MW located at Seraikela Kharsawan, Jharkhand was commissioned. Oriano executed the projects with the turnkey scope of design, engineering, supply of balance of plant equipment, erection, commissioning, testing, and O&amp;M. Shree Cement supplied the modules and will be responsible for the evacuation of power. The projects are captive power plants of Shree Cement constructed at 11 kV and 33 kV evacuation levels and have the provision of an automatic robotic cleaning system.</p>
<p><strong>NTPC Renewable Energy (NTPC REL) <a href="https://www.bseindia.com/xml-data/corpfiling/AttachLive/448d855e-be58-4306-8e76-8ddb7a2077e6.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">signed</a> a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the </strong><strong>Government of Tripura for the development of floating and ground-mounted renewable energy</strong> projects in the state. The MoU is expected to accelerate the development of renewable energy projects and help the state government meet its clean energy commitments and obligations.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.sunsure-energy.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Sunsure Energy</strong></a><strong> announced the commissioning of its 15 MW open access solar power project in Uttar Pradesh. </strong>The project is expected to provide some of the state’s largest corporations with approximately 23.5 million units of green energy annually at low cost. The company said this would enable savings of over 30% on power expenses. The project is also expected to displace roughly 20,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions. The project built using 470 Wp modules and string inverters, is spread across 54 acres and will inject power at the 132/33 kV Uttar Pradesh Power Transmission Corporation substation in Kabrai through a 33kV connection.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.citroen.in/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Citroen India</strong></a><strong> has signed a strategic electric vehicle (EV) charging partnership with Jio-bp, a fuel, and mobility joint venture between Reliance Industries and bp. </strong>Under the partnership, Jio-bp will install DC fast chargers across Citroën’s key dealership network and workshops across the country in phases. The partnership will also ensure Jio-bp’s charging infrastructure network is accessible via the My Citroën Connect app. The entire range of Jio-bp pulse offerings can be accessed via its mobile app which helps customers easily locate EV charging stations in their vicinity, and facilitates digital payments.</p>
<p><strong>Ørsted, a Denmark-based renewable energy developer, <a href="https://orsted.com/en/media/newsroom/news/2023/01/20230113618011" target="_blank" rel="noopener">announced</a> that it will start the construction of its 471 MW Mockingbird Solar Center in Texas.</strong> The project will cover an area of 4,900 acres and is expected to generate enough renewable energy to power more than 80,000 homes annually, making it the largest solar PV project in Ørsted’s portfolio to date. The completion of the project is expected in 2024.</p>


Daily News Wrap-Up: Amp Energy Signs PPA for 200 MW Hybrid Project with SECI


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					</table><p>The benefits to businesses from adopting solar are so overwhelming that it defies logic for any entity to be in doubt about it. The saving alone can be as high as 30% of the power costs. The recovery of the investment can take a maximum of eight years but usually hovers around five years in most cases.</p>
<p>After the investment is recovered, the solar installations will yield benefits for nearly two decades more – free of cost.</p>
<p><em><a href="https://mercomindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/electricity-bill.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-46941 " src="https://mercomindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/electricity-bill.jpg" alt="electricity bill" width="872" height="439" srcset="https://mercomindia.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/electricity-bill.jpg 1430w, https://mercomindia.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/electricity-bill-300x151.jpg 300w, https://mercomindia.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/electricity-bill-768x387.jpg 768w, https://mercomindia.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/electricity-bill-650x327.jpg 650w, https://mercomindia.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/electricity-bill-624x314.jpg 624w, https://mercomindia.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/electricity-bill-600x302.jpg 600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 872px) 100vw, 872px" /></a></em></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>Source: Industry </em></p>
<p><em>Fig: For a 100 kW rooftop solar installation assuming an average generation of 1,400 units per kW and 160,000 units per year. Retail tariff is considered as ₹7.2 (~$0.09)/kWh, with an increase of 4% each year until the 25<sup>th</sup> year.</em></p>
<p>Mercom India analyzed some of the projects executed by a prominent developer across the country for a varied clientele which includes a large textile company and a small spices company. However, the extent of savings on a solar system makes perfect business sense for different types of businesses operating in various geographies.</p>
<p><strong>A large textile company</strong></p>
<p>The company had been incurring ₹37.5 million (~$452,013) per month in energy costs with a grid tariff at about ₹7.5 (~$0.09)/kWh. It decided to install 16.85 MW of solar capacity, split between rooftop and ground-mounted systems.</p>
<p>The company immediately started saving nearly 35% on power costs amounting to nearly ₹13 million (~$156,693) per month.</p>
<p>Given that the capital expenditure for a 1 MW rooftop solar installation is roughly ₹40 million (~$482,047), the company is estimated to have spent ₹674 million (~$8 million) on the infrastructure.</p>
<p>The upside is that it could recover the entire investment in a little over four years based on its monthly savings.</p>
<p>In other details, the annual power requirement for the company is 60-70 million units (kWh), including a seasonal spike in demand.</p>
<p>With rooftop solar installations, the textile company started producing 56,000 units per day, which helped it substitute nearly 20 million units of grid power with solar energy annually. This accounts for nearly a third of its energy needs.</p>
<p>For the installation of the solar systems, the company made available 35,000 square feet of rooftop area and 28 acres for ground-mounted systems.</p>
<p>This enabled the developers to install 4.45 MW rooftop solar and 12.4 MW capacity as on-site ground-mounted installation.</p>
<p><strong>A small manufacturer and supplier of spices</strong></p>
<p>The Pune-based company has an annual requirement of 280,000 units which costs ₹150,000 (~$1,811) per month in energy bills at a tariff of ₹6.4 (~$0.08)/kWh.</p>
<p>The company adopted a 65 kW onsite rooftop solar installation to generate 90,000 units per year, thus replacing about 32% of the energy demand being procured from the grid earlier.</p>
<p>The saving on each solar unit generated was nearly 30%.</p>
<p>The investment in a 65 kW plant is estimated to be around ₹2.6 million (~$31,400). The annual solar energy generation saves the company nearly ₹576,000 (~$6,956) a year, and the investment recovery period is just 4.5 years.</p>
<p>Additionally, the business could also claim <a href="https://mercomindia.com/rooftop-solar-for-ci-sector-can-earn-roi/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">accelerated depreciation</a> benefits of ₹640,000 (~$7,729) in three years. It allows the owner to declare a portion of installation costs as expenses that help save taxes.</p>
<p><strong>A cotton ginning company</strong></p>
<p>The Madhya Pradesh-based business has an annual power requirement of 1.08 million units with flat demand and a monthly average energy bill of over ₹400,000 (~$4,830) before deploying the solar system.</p>
<p>The firm installed a 250 kW on-site rooftop which started generating 360,000 units per year.</p>
<p>The saving was close to 30% on each solar unit generated. The cost of power for a manufacturing industry is typically 30%, which means a rooftop solar system can immediately start making a positive difference in a manufacturer’s earnings.</p>
<p>The cost of the installation is about ₹10 million (~$120,770), and the energy savings are estimated to be about ₹1.6 million (~$19,323) annually. The recovery of investment would take just over six years.</p>
<p>The <a href="https://mercomindia.com/emi-rooftop-solar-savings-on-power-costs-tata-power/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">savings</a> from the rooftop solar system easily pay for the monthly installments on loans secured for installations. This allows businesses to pay for the asset without incurring any additional expenses from before the installation.</p>
<p>Moreover, the solar system is effectively free for the owners after four-eight years of loan payment.</p>
<p>Mercom India <a href="https://mercomindia.com/event/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">holds</a> regular C&amp;I Clean Energy Meets at prominent industrial centers across the country to raise awareness about the benefits of going solar for businesses, especially the MSMEs. To attend, write to us at <a href="mailto:events@mercomindia.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">events@mercomindia.com</a>.</p>


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