Leading solar players

Established in 1983, Bergen Associates Pvt Ltd (a flagship company of the Bergen Group), is headed by Rajinder Kumar. Over the years, Bergen Group has become synonymous with innovation, quality, dedication, commitment, foresight and hard work.

The group has benchmarked its business practices and operations with best practices followed globally. “Bergen has also been a front runner in customer delivery solutions. Always one step ahead in technology, our business covers the machinery and services offered to valued customers in the field of electronics manufacturing, PCB manufacturing and photovoltaic products manufacturing,” says Kumar.

Contact details: 306, Magnum House 1 Commercial Complex, Karampura, New Delhi 110015; Ph: 011-25920283-6, Fax: 25920289; Email: [email protected]; Website: www.bergengroupindia.com

Central Electronics Ltd (CEL) is a public sector enterprise under the department of scientific and industrial research (DSIR), Ministry of Science and Technology. The function of this business unit is to manufacture and market solar photovoltaic (SPV) cells, modules and complete systems in India and abroad. CEL is a pioneer in the country in the field of SPV and has developed state-of-the-art technology with its own R&D efforts.

Backed by an integrated production facility to manufacture mono-crystalline silicon solar cells and modules with the latest screen printing technology, the company has supplied more than 150,000 SPV systems across India and abroad, covering both rural and industrial applications.

“Our modules have been successfully tested by SEC. CEL’s solar modules are the only ones from India, which are certified both for design and quality by the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre at Ispra, Italy,” says Dr S K Kaicker.

Contact details:4, Industrial Area, Sahibabad 201010; Ph:0120-2895155, 2895156; Fax: 0120-2895142, 2895147; Email: [email protected], Website: www.celindia.co.in

Emmvee Solar Systems, an ISO 9001:2008 and ISO 14001:2004 certified company, was established in 1992 with a small manufacturing facility at Bengaluru. The company gradually progressed to become one of the best known solar companies in India, and has executed many complex projects that involve heating of water for domestic and industrial needs.

Emmvee was the first to introduce solar water heating systems in the Indian market that have hot water storage tanks built to resist hot water corrosion and also to withstand water pressure of 10 bars. Its brands in this category are Solarizer Plus and Solarizer Supreme.

According to D V Manjunata, “With a 5 year warranty on tanks, Emmvee’s brands, Solarizer Plus and Solarizer Supreme, will change the way solar water heaters are used in India.”

Contact details: Solar Tower, No. 55, 6th Main, 11th Cross, Lakshmaiah Block, Ganganagar, Bengaluru 560024; Ph: 080-43233333; Email: [email protected]; Website: www.emmveesolar.com

EPL India Ltd (formerly Energy Pool) was incorporated in 1995 and restructured in 2004. EPL was essentially formed with the objective to take the benefits of renewable energy to the common man and this remains its guiding principal. EPL essentially caters to the branded solar power water heating systems, pool heating and PV markets.

“We at EPL believe in the supply of quality products, proper installation and strong after sales service. EPL’s team has contributed significantly towards fighting the negative image often associated with solar products, instead creating goodwill for the category. We encourage a critical interpersonal relationship both within the organisation and with our customers,” says Sanjiv Arora.

The company is represented in Delhi, Chandigarh, Ludhiana, Jaipur, Lucknow and Mumbai.

Contact details: D-66, Sector-7, Noida 201301 UP; Ph: 0120-2423836, 2423837; Fax: 91-120-2423253; Email: [email protected], [email protected]; Website: www.eplindia.com

Incorporated in 1993 by B K Mohanka, Gautam Polymers is one of India’s leading solar components suppliers. With its manufacturing facilities in Delhi, Noida and Haridwar, the company has the most extensive and innovative solar components product range in the world. It also holds several patents.

Gautam Polymers’ key products are solar LED and CFL lights including solar lanterns, solar home lights, solar streetlights, traffic blinkers, battery boxes, and power plant components like module mounting structures, inverters, system integration services, etc. “All our products are government approved and certified by Government of India labs for BIS, IP and ASTM standards that certify superior strength and resilience against environmental conditions,” says Gautam Mohanka.

Contact details:E-245, Greater Kailash Part II, New Delhi 110048; Ph: 011-29222724, 41437853; Fax: 011-29221196; Email: [email protected]; Website: www.solidledlighs.com

Founded in 2008, though relatively new, Indosolar is the unquestionable leader in manufacturing of high efficiency multi-crystalline solar cells in India. More than an industrial venture, Indosolar is a mission, a challenge and a commitment to make India self reliant in solar energy. It has taken technology from Germany on a turnkey basis to install a fully robotic line.

“At the moment we have two 80 MWp lines working at full capacity producing 150,000 cells daily with an average efficiency rating of 16.2 per cent. All the cells are classified into distribution bins at interval of 0.2 per cent absolute efficiency. Indosolar is actively working on putting together an additional capacity of 100 MWp of multi/mono-crystalline cells,” says B K Gupta.

Contact details:3C/1, EcoTech – II, Udyog Vihar, Greater Noida 201306; Ph: 0120-4762500, Fax: 0120-4762525; Email: [email protected]; Website: www.indosolar.co.in

Since its inception in 1997, Kotak Urja Pvt Ltd has been a pioneer in innovation within the solar industry. It has provided unique and niche solutions in manufacturing, engineering, designing, integration and installation of solar thermal and solar PV applications and products.

The total installed PV crystalline module manufacturing capacity of the company is 15 MW. However, the company has planned to raise its capacity to 25 MW by 2010 end.

“The company’s strategy is to own a majority of the downstream PV value chain and offer its customers a comprehensive solution under one roof. This leverages the strengths of Kotak Urja and places it firmly in the grid connect power plant market opening up in India and overseas,” says K Srinivas Kumar. It has manufactured, designed and installed more than 165,000 sq m of thermal collectors and 12 MW of solar PV modules and applications so far.

Contact details: 378, 10th Cross, 4th Phase, PIA, Bengaluru 560058, Ph: 080-28363330; Fax: 080-2836 2347; Email: [email protected]; Website: www.kotakurja.com

Kyocera Corporation, the parent company of the Kyocera Group, was founded in 1959 by Kazuo Inamori as a producer of fine ceramics. By combining these engineered materials with metals and plastics, and integrating them with other technologies, Kyocera has become a leading supplier of solar power generating systems, telecommunications equipment, electronic components, printers, copiers, semiconductor packages, cutting tools and industrial ceramics.

In 1975, Kyocera began R&D into solar energy and was the first company in the world to start mass production of multi-crystalline silicon solar cells in 1982. With 35 years of experience in solar energy, Kyocera has developed a unique fully integrated production process, which ensures high quality, by controlling every phase of manufacturing. With the completion of its second solar cell manufacturing plant in Japan, “Kyocera has increased its annual production volumes, targeting 1 GW by March 2013. Furthermore, to rapidly meet the needs of the largest markets, regional solar module assembly plants have been strategically located in Japan, the Czech Republic, Mexico, USA and China,” says Hideki Kitamura.

Contact details: 1001-1002, 10th Floor, JMD Regent Square, M G Road, Gurgaon 122002; Ph: 0124-4025000; Fax: 0124-4025001; Email: [email protected]; Website: www.kyocera.com.sg

The renewable energy division of Luminous Power Technologies was incorporated in 2007. The company designs, manufactures, installs and maintains off grid and grid connected solar and wind hybrid power plants with its state-of-art technology. “We generate, store and deliver electricity at remote locations that are not serviced by grid connected electricity. Our proprietary remote monitoring systems continuously monitor the performance of these power plants. They can store real time and historical data through GPRS/Internet for display to the customer anywhere in the world,” says Rakesh Malhotra. Some of the major Indian and international customers are state nodal agencies, CWET, Nokia Siemens, Indian army, Indian navy, ONGC and Dialog Telekom Sri Lanka, etc. Others include University of Goa, University of Punjab, BITS Pilani and Hyatt Hotels.

Contact details: C-8 and C- 9, Community Centre, Janakpuri, (Janak Cinema Complex), New Delhi 110058; Ph: 011-40778221/222; Fax: 011-25558912; Email: [email protected]; Website: www.luminousindia.com

Established in 1999, Maharishi Solar Technology (P) Ltd, an ISO 9001:2000 accredited company, is a division of the International Maharishi organisation. Its aim is to harness solar power to improve the quality of life.

This Delhi based company has its manufacturing facilities at Srikalahasti, Andhra Pradesh, and at Noida. Today, Maharishi Solar is a well established name in the field of solar products. It has four divisions that cover solar polysilicon and solar PV cell manufacture, besides a solar thermal and a solar power plant.

“Maharishi is the only company in India having complete PV value chain from polysilicon to SPV systems manufacturing multi-crystalline wafers and is the first company in India to produce SPV modules with mutli-crystalline cells. Our PV modules and systems are tested and approved as per the parameters of IEC 61215,” says Ajay Prakash Shrivastava.

Contact details: A-14, Mohan Co-operative Industrial Estate, Mathura Road, New Delhi 110 044; Ph: 011 30881701/26959701; Fax: 011 -26959669; Email: [email protected]; Website: www.maharishisolar.com

Moser Baer Photovoltaic Ltd (MBPV) and PV Technologies India Ltd (PVTIL) are subsidiaries of Moser Baer India Ltd. These entities were launched between 2005 and 2007 to manufacture world class solar modules and design an EPCs for effective deployment of PV systems. MBPV modules are manufactured using premium quality materials and are best suited for residential, commercial, industrial and custom applications for both on and off grid use.

Its PV systems business has rapidly grown to a market leadership position in solar farms, rooftops and off grid applications. The strategy is to straddle multiple technology platforms and to drive scale in a cost effective manner.

“The current production capacity is 90 MW of crystalline silicon cells, 90 MW from crystalline silicon modules, and 50 MW of amorphous silion thin films. Our strong commitment to R&D and innovation has resulted in manfacturing of cutting edge PV cells and modules that meets the international standards including UL, IEC, ETL and CE. MBPV is the first Indian company to earn the TÜV Rheinland award for maintaining the highest standards of quality,” says Dr Rajiv Arya.

Contact details:43B, Okhla Industrial Estate, Phase III, New Delhi 110020; Ph: 011 40594444; Fax: 011-41635211, 26911860; Email: [email protected]; Website: www.moserbaer.in

Numeric has ventured into solar power systems, wind energy generation and LED lighting systems in 2008. It offers solar power systems in the range of 500 watts to 5 MW. It is engaged in consultancy, manufacturing, systems integration, and in the distribution of solar energy products including solar charge controllers, inverters, junction boxes, mechanical structures and data logging devices. Numeric also provides total turnkey solutions. The company is an emerging Indian multi-national with its own manufacturing facilities in Pondicherry, Chennai, Salem, Parwanoo and Sri Lanka. It is supported by its own subsidiaries in Singapore, Mauritius, South Africa and partner offices in USA and UK. “Numeric has completed over 200 solar PV installations across India and overseas. It is poised to develop a solar energy farm within the wind energy farm already owned by it. The firm’s solar projects represent about 10 per cent of the total group revenue of Rs 4.87 billion in 2009-10,” says R Chellappan.

Contact details: Numeric House No 5, Sir P S Sivasamy Salai, Mylapore, Chennai 600004, Ph: 044-24993266; Fax: 044-24995179; Email: [email protected]; Website: www.numericsolar.com

PLG Power Ltd (formerly Goel Air Shrink), a Mumbai based manufacturer of crystalline SPV modules and a provider of solar PV power plants, is a vertically integrated company operating in the PV sector since 2008. It is a part of the big, well established Indian company, the PLG Group, which is almost 100 years old, with a diversified portfolio of numerous businesses in Asia and the Middle East.

Pramod Goel, says, “The company has planned to set up approximately 60 MW solar PV power plants in India. The grid connected power plants are expected to go online in Gujarat, Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal in 2010, and represent an investment of around US$ 200 million.”

Contact details: 3139, A-1 Shah and Nahar Industrial Estate, Lower Parel (W), Mumbai 400013; Ph: 022-42309500; Fax: 022-24918278; [email protected]; Website: www.plgpower.com

Established in 1995, Coimbatore based Powertec Control Instruments has established one of the largest solar energy manufacturing plants in Tamil Nadu by adopting the latest technology and ultra modern production processes.

Adoption of innovative methods helps the company to retain the pioneer position in the market and also guarantees solar products and services like solar power fences, energy saving lamps, solar panels, solar street lights and LED streetlights, solar power generation systems, solar LED lanterns and emergency lamps as per customer needs, at affordable prices. Recently, the company introduced EXL lamps, which give high brightness at a low cost, when compared to LED and sodium vapour lamps.

“We are successfully exporting our products to the Gulf and African countries. We believe in building long lasting and mutually beneficial relationships with our partners, and understand that customer satisfaction drives success,” says N Jegatheswar.

Contact details:24 DSP Compound, Lakshmipuram, Ganapathy, Coimbatore 6, Tamil Nadu; Ph: 0422–4212559/9944556620; Email: [email protected]; Website: www.iintechdefence.com/ www.tvzstec.com

Premier Solar Systems Pvt Ltd, a part of a diversified group, commenced operations during 1995-96. The company manufactures a range of solar products such as solar PV modules, solar lanterns, solar street lighting systems, solar water pumps, solar home light systems, solar power plants and a host of customised solar energy products.

The company has been manufacturing solar modules for the last 15 years and is one of the oldest in the region. With a state-of-the-art manufacturing factory located in Hyderabad, Premier Solar exports to various countries in Europe, Africa and Asia.

Says S P Singh, “We have maintained a steady growth of over 50 per cent for the past three years and expect to reach a turnover of $25 million by 2011-12. We have a long term strategic agreement with Schott Solar Gmbh, Germany, a 51 year old company in solar business, for supply of high quality solar cells and amorphous silicon raw plates.”

Contact details: 3rd Floor , V V Towers, Karkhana Main Road, Secunderabad 500015, Greater Hyderabad; Ph: 040-27744415/16; Fax: 040-27744417; Email: [email protected]; Website: www. premiersolarsystems.com

Incorporated in 2007, the solar energy initiative of Reliance aims to take solar energy systems and solutions primarily to remote and rural areas and bring about a transformation in the quality of life.

As part of this initiative, Reliance Solar is developing and offering a range of solar PV products, systems and solutions—from solar lanterns, home lighting systems, street lighting systems, water purification systems and refrigeration systems to solar air conditioners. It also provides turnkey solutions for largescale rooftop and ground mounted solar systems including building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) systems.

“We are a manufacturer of mono and multi-crystalline solar PV modules certified as per IEC61215 Ed 2 and EN 61730 Part 1 and 2, starting from 3.3 to 280 Wp. Our 5 MWp grid connected solar PV power plant is under commissioning in Khinswar, Rajasthan,” says Rabindra Satpathy.

Contact details: Building No. 5C,1st Floor, Reliance Corporate Park, Thane-Belapur Road, Ghansoli, Navi Mumbai 400701; Ph: 022-44770000; Fax: 022- 44710084 Email: [email protected]; Website: www.relsolar.com

Ritika Systems Pvt Ltd, an ISO 9000 certified organisation, started its photovoltaic operations in 1986. The company conceptualises, manufactures and designs SPV, solar lanterns, solar home lighting systems, solar street lighting systems, solar power plants, etc.

The company manufactures SPV systems for a clientele that includes various government nodal agencies, government departments, railways, paramilitary forces, utility organisations and OEMs like Tata BP Solar, REIL, BHEL, CEL, etc. “Our products are evaluated by MNRE and ERTL and are registered with NSIC and DGS&D. Recently we have launched our own brand of solar LED lighting,” says A K Wadhwa.

Contact details: C-22/18, Sector 57, Noida 201301; Ph: 0120-2586609; Fax: 0120-2586609; Email: [email protected]; Website: www.ritikasystems.in

Su-Kam, a market leader in power backup systems, has now diversified into manufacturing a wide range of solar products such as solar inverters, charge controllers, power conditioning units and solar panels. Su-Kam has introduced a novel solar home lighting system—an economical package consisting of two LED lamps, inbuilt SMF batteries, a charge controller and a solar panel.

The product has been especially launched keeping in mind that most rural parts of India do not have consistent electricity. There is absolutely no need for electricity to charge batteries in this product. The product is very handy and easy to install. It is wall mounted and one can hang the lamps anywhere as per individual requirements. The product is a hit in the overseas market and is being exported to African and Asian countries in large quantities.

“Su-Kam is already an established name in the world of power backup systems and, in fact, has been exporting its solar products to various countries like Senegal and the US, for more than three years now,” says Kunwer Sachdev.

Contact details:54, Udyog Vihar, Phase VI, Sector-37, Gurgaon 122001, Haryana; Ph: 0124-4170500; Fax: 0124 4038702,4038700; Email: [email protected]; Website:www.su-kam.com

SunTechnics Energy Systems Pvt Ltd is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Conergy Group, which is one of the world’s largest companies dedicated to solar energy. Since its foundation in 1999, Conergy has converted over 1.25 gigawatts of renewable energy, almost 1 gigawatt of which has come from solar energy.

The company has its head office and manufacturing facility in Bengaluru. “Our company is a one stop solutions provider for all remote solar PV energy requirements. The company provides complete end-to-end solutions from conceptualisation to completion for renewable energy systems, including evaluation, feasibility studies, design, engineering, supply, installation, commissioning, operation and maintenance of solar PV systems,” says Rajesh Bhat.

SunTechnics offers a wide range of renewable energy technology options comprising solar PV megawatt power plants, solar PV off grid systems, solar thermal systems for water heating, wind-solar hybrid systems, solar modules and solar products.

Contact details: 660/1, 100 ft Road, Indiranagar, Bengaluru 560038; Ph: 080-41880917, Fax: 080-41261932; Email: [email protected]; Website: www.SunTechnics.com/in

In 2008, Surana Telecom and Power Ltd ventured into the SPV sector by establishing a SPV module manufacturing plant at Cherlapally, Hyderabad with an installed capacity of 40 MW.

In order to bring the entire business of solar energy under one company, the solar division of Surana Telecom and Power Ltd, is being merged with Surana Ventures Ltd. Today the company’s major thrust is in the field of solar PV modules, CFL/LED home lighting systems and streetlighting systems.

“Since starting out in the solar business, we have achieved a growth of 25 per cent on a quarterly basis; the growth rate will further accelerate since we have begun manufacture for the export market and started production at our new thin film module manufacturing and power generation plant,” says Narender Surana.

Contact details: 5th Floor, Surya Towers, Sardar Patel Road, Secunderabad 500003; Ph: 040-27845119, 27841198; Fax: 040-27818868; Email:[email protected]; Website: www.surana.com, suranaventures.com

Tata BP Solar, the pioneer and market leader in the Indian solar industry, is a joint venture of BP Solar (51 per cent) and Tata Power Company Ltd (49 per cent), and has a solid track record for safety, growth and performance since its start in 1989. The company manufactures SPV cells, solar modules, and other solar products and systems at its world class plants in Bengaluru. It also delivers solar solutions to the end customer. “We have an annual manufacturing capacity of 84 MW of solar cells and 125 MW of solar modules with plans to raise the cell manufacturing capacity to 180 MW,” says K Subramanya. The company has touched the lives of more than 12 million people in the Indian subcontinent through solar power applications such as home lighting and water pumping, mainly in rural areas; as well as in businesses such as telecommunications, railways, banks, defence establishments, etc. Tata BP Solar is pioneer in grid connect SPV systems in India. It exports more than 70 per cent of its products to quality driven markets in Germany, Spain and USA.

Contact details: 78, Electronics City, Ph-1, Hosur Road Bengaluru 560100; Ph: 080-40702000; Fax: 080-40702241; Email: [email protected]; Website: www.tatabpsolar.com

Established in 1991, Titan is a pioneer in the design, development and manufacture of solar PV modules ranging from 2-300 Wp. In addition to the manufacture and marketing of solar modules, it also undertakes the design, construction, operation and maintenance of grid connected and off grid solar systems on a turnkey basis. Titan has established a quality management system to meet ISO 9001-2008 standards.

Rao S Y S Chodagam, says, “We currently operate a manufacturing facility with a capacity of 100 MW, and are expanding module production to achieve a capacity of 500 MW. We are the first company in India to install and operate MW scale grid connected solar power plants.”

Contact details: 16, Aruna Enclave, Trimulgherry, Secunderabad 500015, Andhra Pradesh; Ph: 040– 27791085/ 64630900; Fax: 040-27795629; Email: [email protected]; Website: www.titan-energy.com

Waaree Energies Pvt Ltd was formed in 2007 by the promoters of the Waaree group of companies. Its manufacturing facility in Surat sprawls over an area of 4050 sq m (45,000 sq ft), and has a modern state-of-the-art automatic production line for PV modules. A full range of PV modules from 3Wp to 250Wp are manufactured for various on grid and off grid applications, and are exported to a number of countries.

The manufacturing capacity of the company through phase I is 30 MW. Its production processes are carried out in controlled environmental conditions with most automated machinery imported from Europe.

“Our vision is to become the most admired solar energy company among Indian firms, with world class manufacturing of solar equipment. We aim to contribute to global economic growth, by meeting the energy needs in a sustainable and environment friendly manner—providing the best service and products of global standards,” says Hitesh Doshi.

Contact details:36, Damji Shamji Industrial Complex, Off. Mahakali Caves Road, Andheri (E), Mumbai 400 093, Ph: 022-66963030; Fax: 022-26873613; Email: [email protected]; Website: www.waareeenergies.com

Since 1994, Websol Energy System Ltd (formerly Webel S L Energy Systems Ltd) has been a leading manufacturer of PV mono crystalline solar cells and modules in India. Websol is an NSE and MSE listed company.

Over the years, the company has established a reputation for making highly reliable PV cells and modules ranging from 5-280 Wp for various domestic and commercial applications at its state-of-the-art integrated production facility in Kolkata. All the company’s products are certified to IEC 61215 and 61730 standards, as well as TUV and UL 1703 standards.

S L Agarwal, says, “We have undertaken an expansion and modernisation programme whereby we have increased our installed capacity from a 30 MW manufacturing facility in Kolkata to a 120 MW state-of-the-art production facility at the SEZ at Falta, West Bengal.”

Contact details:Falta SEZ, Sector–II, Falta Village, Birsa, Mouza Akalmegh, P S Ramnagar, South 24 Parganas, West Bengal 743504; Ph: 03174 222932; Fax: 03174 222933; Email: [email protected]; Website: www.webelsolar.com

Benstar Powertronics Ltd started its operations in April 2009 with its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility of about 9000 sq ft at Bengaluru. Its vision is to become a major player in power electronics industry by designing and manufacturing high quality power conversion products such as SMPS, converters, LED Drivers, solar charge controllers, battery chargers, LED display solutions. The company has laid special emphasis on providing electronics for emerging green and renewable energy industries such as LED lighting, solar energy and wind energy. It has developed high quality LED drivers for AC and DC based applications with power rating of 1W to 100W. Benstar LED drivers are being used by both indoor and outdoor LED lighting manufacturers with power drawn from grid as well as solar PV panels. A range of solar charge controllers in various current rating are in the pipeline using discrete and microcontroller based technologies. “We have invested in necessary infrastructure on design and test equipments, state-of-the-art manufacturing facility and QMS, to ensure that our products meet international quality standards. Also, we have an ambitious plan to achieve sales turnover of Rs1000 million by 2013,” says Tarun Mehta.

Contact details:451-42/43, J C Indusrial Estate, Kanakapura Road, Bengaluru 560062; Ph: 080-26860828; Mob: 91-9590929099; Email: [email protected]; Website: www.benstar.in

Regnant Group chairman Praveen Kumar Sood is an internationally acclaimed renewable energy and energy efficient lighting systems specialist, who restarted his operations in India in 2009 with an investment of USD 150,000 in state-of-art testing facilities to manufacture batteries and lighting products. Regnant is currently undergoing the process for NABL accreditation so that their facilities can be availed by general industries. In addition, the company is investing close to US$ 1 million at a factory in Rudrapur (Uttarakhand), where production will commence in July, 2010.

Besides high efficiency pure sine wave inverters, the company will also start manufacturing solar charger controllers and renewable energy based products including solar lanterns, solar rechargeable battery stations, solar based LED rechargeable torches and long distance flashlights, solar home lighting and street lighting solutions, solar refrigeration, etc. “We will open franchisee showrooms to showcase our products for which, we have appointed channel partners,” says P K Sood.

Contact details:B-167, Freedom Fighters Enclave, New Delhi 110068; Ph: 011-29535381/82/83; Fax: 91-11-29534272; Email: [email protected]; Website: www.regnant.co.in