November 19, 2024. By Abha Rustagi
UTL Solar has established itself as a leader in the solar industry, with recorded sales of over 1 GW of solar rooftop systems to date, including off-grid, hybrid, and on-grid solar systems, said Yogesh Dua, Joint Managing Director, UTL Solar, in an interview with Abha Rustagi, Associate Editor, Energetica India.
Que: Can you briefly introduce UTL Solar’s journey in the solar industry so far?
Ans: UTL Solar was founded in 1996 by two proficient engineers, Yogesh Dua and Pawan Garg, with a mission to power millions of households with sustainable energy and power backup solutions. Today, UTL Solar is one of the leading manufacturers of end-to-end power solutions.
We offer an extensive range of products from 1 kVA to 120 kVA, including Online UPS, Offline UPS, inverters, solar panels, battery chargers, Solar Management Units (SMUs), solar charge controllers, batteries, and on-grid inverters. Our advanced products, along with a production capacity of 1 MVA per day and an expanding dealer network, enable us to meet all our customers’ needs to their full satisfaction.
UTL Solar has established itself as a leader in the solar industry, with recorded sales of over 1 GW of solar rooftop systems to date, including off-grid, hybrid, and on-grid solar systems. We boast a strong network of dealers and distributors, serving over 5 million satisfied UTL customers. Additionally, we provide excellent R&D services through a dedicated team of over 60 experts and export R&D services and UL-certified products to various countries, including the USA.
Que: UTL Solar has developed and patented the innovative rMPPT technology for solar energy optimisation. Could you explain how rMPPT technology works and what makes it unique compared to traditional MPPT technology?
Ans: UTL Solar’s patented rMPPT (Rapid Maximum Power Point Technology) takes solar energy optimisation to the next level by continuously tracking and adjusting the power output of solar panels as sunlight intensity fluctuates throughout the day. Unlike ordinary systems, which adjust power more slowly, rMPPT rapidly monitors and responds to these voltage changes, ensuring maximum energy generation in real time. This real-time adjustment can result in up to 30 percent more solar energy production compared to conventional systems, making it a game-changer in off-grid and hybrid solar systems.
Que: How do you see rMPPT technology revolutionising the solar panel industry? What impact do you anticipate it will have on the cost, performance, and adoption of solar systems in the Indian market?
Ans: rMPPT technology is poised to revolutionise the solar panel industry by significantly enhancing energy efficiency. By generating up to 30 percent more power compared to traditional systems, it maximises solar output even under fluctuating sunlight conditions. This improvement in performance will reduce the cost per watt of solar energy, making solar systems more affordable and attractive to both residential and commercial users. The increased efficiency and faster return on investment are expected to accelerate the adoption of solar energy in the Indian market.
Que: The PM Muft Surya Ghar Bijli Yojana aims to bring solar energy to households across India. How can UTL Solar’s rMPPT technology help accelerate its implementation?
Ans: UTL Solar’s rMPPT technology plays a pivotal role in accelerating the implementation of the PM Muft Surya Ghar Bijli Yojana by ensuring higher efficiency and energy output from solar systems. With its rapid tracking capability, rMPPT can generate up to 30 percent more power compared to ordinary systems, allowing households to maximise energy production even with smaller solar panel setups. This improved performance not only helps reduce costs but also makes solar energy more attractive to consumers. By optimising power generation, rMPPT aligns perfectly with the government’s goal of widespread adoption of solar energy, driving faster and more efficient installations under the scheme.
UTL also offers a range of rMPPT Hybrid Solar PCUs that provide round-the-clock energy. Since hybrid systems are receiving subsidies in some regions, this will further accelerate the implementation and adoption of the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana.
Que: Solar energy is key to India’s vision of energy independence. How is UTL Solar contributing to this mission, and what are your thoughts on the role solar power will play in India’s energy mix over the coming decade?
Ans: As the Indian economy transitions from its heavy reliance on oil to more sustainable energy sources, the role of solar power becomes increasingly pivotal. With the rise of electric vehicles (EVs), which require substantial electricity for charging, the demand for clean energy sources is growing.
Solar energy stands out as a vital solution to meet this increasing demand. At UTL Solar, we are doing our part by expanding our solar panel line-up from 500 MW to an impressive 1 GW. This expansion not only boosts our production capacity but also supports the broader goal of reducing dependence on fossil fuels and promoting renewable energy.
Looking ahead, solar energy will play a critical role in India’s energy mix by diminishing reliance on traditional power sources and empowering homes, businesses, and industries to take control of their energy needs. With a strong focus on advanced technologies like our patented rMPPT, UTL Solar is actively contributing to India’s journey toward a greener and more sustainable future.
Que: How is UTL Solar working to make solar energy accessible and affordable for both rural and urban areas in India?
Ans: UTL Solar is making solar energy accessible and affordable across both rural and urban areas by leveraging its extensive network of over 3,500 certified dealers, 1,000 Shoppe outlets, and 500 distributors, ensuring widespread reach and service availability. Our advanced technologies, such as the patented rMPPT, help generate up to 30 percent more energy, maximising efficiency and lowering overall costs for consumers.
Additionally, we support initiatives like the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, which offers substantial subsidies for solar rooftop installations, making solar power more affordable for households. By providing flexible financing options, cost-efficient solar solutions, and focusing on off-grid, on-grid, and hybrid systems, UTL Solar is helping to bring sustainable energy to homes, businesses, and industries across India.
Que: What are UTL Solar’s strategic plans for the next five years? Are there any major product launches, partnerships, or market expansions on the horizon?
Ans: UTL Solar’s strategic plans for the next five years focus on significant expansion, product innovation, and market growth. We are expanding our manufacturing base with a new 2 GW solar panel factory and a 1 GW factory dedicated to lithium-ion battery production. In response to government DCR requirements, we are also establishing a 2 GW factory for on-grid inverter production.
In addition to these advancements, UTL Solar is introducing a new line of high-efficiency TopCon solar panels to further diversify our product offerings. As part of our expansion strategy, we aim to double our distributor network to broaden our market presence. We are extending our reach to South India, Odisha, and West Bengal, with the Northeast also on our radar. These future expansions, along with our ongoing focus on delivering cost-efficient solar solutions, will solidify our leadership in the renewable energy sector.
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