The Indian solar market has witnessed remarkable growth, reaching an installed capacity of 71.61 gigawatts by August 2023—the country’s target of achieving 500 gigawatts by 2030, with a contribution of 280 gigawatts from solar. According to a report by Technavio, the expected compound annual growth rate of 34.24 percent between 2022 and 2027 further emphasizes the sector’s burgeoning opportunities.
However, the operation and maintenance costs, averaging 3.5 lakh per megawatt per year, pose challenges, with a significant portion allocated to technical workforce salaries and vegetation management. Amidst this, SOLON India emerges as a critical player, strategically positioning itself in the solar project O&M space.
“We are in the business of solar EPC and O&M, maintaining a power plant that has been operating above target levels for around 12 years in the rooftop segment as well as in the ground-based segment,” says Shamshad Ahmed, Manager (O&M) at SOLON India. “We are also doing business in Africa, where we have installed solar plus DG synchronization systems since 2015", he further adds.” Since then, the company has expanded into battery energy storage systems and grid synchronization and collaborates with several agencies like UL India, Senshawk and more for testing.
SOLON India’s success lies in its meticulous approach to minimizing downtime and optimizing efficiency. Trained engineers and technicians and a centralized monitoring system in Hyderabad ensures routine maintenance is conducted timely to prevent unplanned shutdowns. The company’s proactive strategy involves site-level repair jobs and annual IV curve testing and drone-based thermography, thereby reducing downtime and enhancing overall performance.
In addition, a central customer care team in Hyderabad operates 24x7, categorizing and addressing complaints based on priority. Local partnerships further aid in swift issue resolution, while strategically placed spares across all sites contribute to efficient maintenance.
SOLON India harnesses cloud-based monitoring systems, incorporating artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms. Real-time data analysis, in-house testing tools, and collaboration with an organization for on-site analysis through mobile labs enables informed decision-making, ensuring optimal performance.
The company empowers project owners and technicians through remote troubleshooting training, thereby minimizing downtime. Recognizing the importance of knowledge transfer, SOLON India employs in-person training, workshops, and digital data maintenance. The company facilitates the seamless transfer of information to clients, enabling them to manage their projects effectively.
SOLON India remains at the forefront of technological advancements through collaborations with leading manufacturers and active participation in industry expos. This commitment ensures the company is well-informed about emerging technologies, providing clients with cutting-edge solutions. With a significant presence in Africa, SOLON India offers customized solutions, integrating solar and DG synchronization to address electricity scarcity.
The company’s adaptability and expertise have resulted in significant saving to its clients in some cases in excess of 30 percent. The company’s initiatives, such as dry robotic module cleaning and rainwater harvesting, showcase its commitment to minimizing environmental impact. The dry robotic cleaning system is a technology-driven approach that eliminates the need for water in the cleaning process.
This innovation contributes to significant water conservation and minimizes the environmental footprint associated with water-intensive cleaning methods. Green procurement practices and regular environmental audits further contribute to the company’s dedication to sustainability. SOLON India’s unwavering commitment to excellence, sustainability, and technological innovation positions it as one of the trailblazers in the solar technology sector. As India strides toward a greener future, SOLON India can be a reliable partner, powering with efficiency, expertise, and environmental consciousness.
