Empowering India’s Manufacturing Sector with Solar Energy: Innovations, Impact, and Success Stories

India’s manufacturing sector—spanning textiles, electronics, and heavy machinery—drives over 16% of GDP and provides livelihoods to millions. However, soaring energy demands are straining profitability and sustainability. With cost-efficiency and eco-consciousness in focus, solar power is transforming the game, delivering unparalleled economic and environmental benefits.

With India’s abundant sunlight, the transition to solar energy is reducing operational costs for manufacturers and helping them meet their environmental goals.

Industry leaders are paving the way for a solar revolution:

• Mahindra & Mahindra has installed over 50 MW of solar capacity across its facilities, slashing energy costs by ₹30 crores annually.
• Maruti Suzuki is driving the transition to green manufacturing, expanding its solar capacity to 43.2 MWp in FY 2023-24. With plans to add another 35 MWp across its Manesar and Kharkhoda plants, its total solar capacity will reach 78.2 MWp by FY 2025-26.

These success stories highlight a powerful reality: adopting solar energy is an eco-friendly choice and a strategic move to reduce costs, enhance efficiency, and secure a sustainable future for India’s manufacturing sector.

Manufacturing is one of India’s most energy-intensive sectors, consuming nearly 25% of the country’s total energy. With rising electricity tariffs and the challenges of unreliable power supply, industries are turning to solar energy for:

1. Cost Savings:  Solar power allows businesses to significantly reduce their monthly electricity expenses by generating their own energy. Unlike grid electricity, which is subject to frequent tariff hikes, solar systems operate as fixed-cost assets, providing long-term price stability.
2. Energy Security: Solar installations provide a reliable power source, reducing downtime caused by outages.
3. Regulatory Benefits: Solar adoption comes with incentives such as carbon credits and tax benefits. Programs like RECs and depreciation benefits provide additional savings.
4. Sustainability Goals: Solar power strengthens corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts and enhances brand reputation. By adopting solar, businesses attract eco-conscious consumers and investors, fostering loyalty, credibility, and a competitive edge.
5. Enhancing Property Value: Solar-equipped properties command higher value, offering long-term savings and sustainability benefits. In India’s competitive real estate market, this provides a distinct advantage.

• Captive Solar Plant (Roof/Ground Mounted): Steel factories with access to sunlit roofs can install solar panels atop them. Alternatively, many companies opt for ground-mounted solar plants to meet their energy needs more efficiently.
• Open Access Solar: For companies with a sanctioned load of at least 100 kW, open access solar allows them to purchase solar energy directly from the market. This solution eliminates the need for upfront investment in installation, as companies only pay for the energy consumed.
• InRoof Solution: The InRoof system transforms traditional roofing into a leak-proof solar solution. This innovative approach allows companies to turn their roofs into mini solar farms, generating clean energy while preserving the integrity of their infrastructure.

Solar-powered manufacturing aligns with India’s vision of achieving net-zero emissions by 2070. By reducing carbon footprints and reliance on fossil fuels, industries not only comply with stringent global environmental standards but also enhance their competitiveness in international markets.

Ornate Solar is revolutionizing the manufacturing sector with its ground-breaking InRoof solar solutions. These transformative projects not only redefine energy efficiency but also set the stage for a sustainable industrial future by seamlessly integrating solar power into infrastructure. Let’s dive into some remarkable success stories:

India’s largest 3.25 MW InRoof project powers Jindal Steel & Power Ltd.’s factory in Angul, Odisha. Spanning 200,000 sq. ft. and installed at a height of 20 meters (65 ft), this remarkable system highlights Ornate InRoof’s innovative technology at the steel giant’s new facility.

This 1.45 MW installation spans 87,000 sq. ft., delivering 2,202 MWh annually. APL Apollo’s bold green initiative prevents 45,000 tons of CO₂ emissions, underscoring its commitment to the environment.

At Bareilly, a fully automated 45,000 sq. ft. facility now boasts a 745kW InRoof system that offsets 25,788 tons of CO₂ annually, blending cutting-edge automation with clean energy.

Pangaea’s 35,000 sq. ft. facility in Bagru sets a benchmark in sustainability. Powered by a 530 kW InRoof system, it helps the company achieve its Net Zero goals, offsetting 18,346 tons of CO₂ emissions annually.

A recognized leader in pouch-packing innovation, Siddhi International has integrated a 278 kW InRoof system over 16,680 sq. ft., delivering 400 MWh of clean energy annually.

In Ghaziabad, Shankar Glass has embraced a 217 kW InRoof system covering 13,000 sq. ft., providing clean energy and significantly reducing its carbon footprint.

Sustainability meets efficiency at AV Super Packaging’s facility, where a 165 kW InRoof system over 9,900 sq. ft. generates 300 MWh annually, advancing their eco-friendly packaging mission.

Ornate’s innovative 152 kW InRoof system, installed 20 ft. high, powers the new facility to produce 250 MWh annually, showcasing how small steps lead to big climate wins.

These projects illuminate the power of innovation in transforming industries. With each installation, Ornate Solar proves that sustainability and industrial growth can go hand in hand.

For India’s manufacturing sector, solar energy is no longer an option—it’s a necessity. By adopting innovative solutions like InRoof technology, industries can achieve energy independence, lower operational costs, and fulfill sustainability commitments. The manufacturing sector’s embrace of solar power not only drives progress toward renewable energy goals but also ensures a brighter and greener future for India.

Ornate Solar is a leading solar company with 10 years of experience in the industry and the mission to reimagine the way solar is installed worldwide.

By not only partnering with the best-in-class solar brands but also developing our high-quality solutions, (panels, inverters, accessories, InRoof), we develop and deliver solutions that are modern, reliable, and effective.

If you are looking for high-quality solar solutions, reach out to us at 011 43536666 to discuss your options.