Agni Green innovates solar solutions for grid failures

This technology will enhance solar plant efficiency by enabling surplus energy to be used for alternative applications, such as irrigation pumps or small-scale industrial machines like rice mills.

Agni Green is evolving with the global solar market by addressing technological advancements, leveraging government incentives and adopting innovative solutions. As the company continues to expand within India and internationally, its focus remains on delivering high-quality, reliable, sustainable solar energy solutions. With its strong R&D capabilities and commitment to customer education, Agni Green aims to be at the forefront of the renewable energy industry in the years to come. Let us know more from Aban Saha.

Could you share some strategies your company is implementing to overcome challenges in the evolving global solar market?

One of the major challenges we face is the rapid evolution of solar module technology. For example, a client might finalise a project based on 400 Wp modules, but these modules may no longer be commercially available by the time procurement begins. To tackle this, we ensure that our quotations specify technology validity within a certain timeframe. Additionally, we educate our customers on adopting standardised technologies widely available in the market.

We also have a strong research and development team led by our chairman, who has extensive experience in the field. This allows us to forecast technological trends and advise clients accordingly. For instance, we anticipate technological shifts around 2026-27 and align our strategies to stay ahead.

Many assume that simply opting for higher-capacity modules will yield better energy. However, real-world experience shows that actual solar plant output is often significantly lower than estimated due to factors like module soiling. That’s why maintenance is crucial. We emphasise continuous cleaning mechanisms and water recycling, considering water scarcity is becoming a major challenge. With support from our in-house design team we ensure customized design for each solar plant to ensure higher efficiency, easy maintainability and structural robustness. Additionally, we provide seamless maintenance support through our regional offices and dedicated teams. We also educate customers on choosing reliable, well-tested models over the latest but unproven technologies.

Given the recent budget announcements promoting solar manufacturing, how is your company leveraging these opportunities?

The push for solar manufacturing, especially with a budget allocation of INR 25,000 crore, is a significant boost. We focus on states like Odisha and Assam, where additional state subsidies complement central government incentives, and we also identify and partner with local firms to strengthen our presence in these regions. Historically, the eastern and northeastern regions have lagged behind western India in solar adoption. However, with our 30 years of experience, we are well-positioned to fill this gap. We are also expanding our presence in international markets like African and island nations, where solar adoption is gaining traction.

What are your expansion goals, and how are you adapting strategies to serve the increasing demand for hybrid systems?

We are one of the pioneers in the Indian solar industry, starting in 1995 when very few players were active. We aim to continue growing while maintaining our core values, i.e customer trust, service dedication and quality transformation. We have adopted a ‘slow but steady’ approach to expansion. Our company went public in 2022, and we aim to move to the main board in the next two to three years. Additionally, we are working on indigenous technology innovations to become a key manufacturer of solar inverters and electronics related to the renewable sector. We aim to launch these innovations shortly.

We closely monitor government policies at the central and state levels as well as market trend to align our strategies accordingly. We are focussing on entering into floating solar and multi megawatt RESCO model project segment through collaboration with suitable investors and partners. With renewable energy gaining prominence, the demand for skilled professionals is rising. We invest in training programmes to ensure our workforce stays updated with industry trends. Additionally, logistics and supply chain efficiency play a significant role. We are optimising our supply chains to ensure timely project execution and cost efficiency.

A major trend in the industry is the shift towards hybrid systems that integrate solar with other renewable sources, such as wind and storage solutions. This helps mitigate intermittency issues and ensures a stable power supply. Another trend is the digitalisation of solar plant management. AI and IoT-enabled monitoring systems are becoming standard, allowing for real-time performance tracking and predictive maintenance. We are developing and incorporating these technologies into our projects to enhance efficiency.

Furthermore, the global push for sustainability drives interest in recycling solar panels at the end of their lifespan. We are exploring incorporating eco-friendly disposal and recycling practices into our business model.

How can solar plants provide uninterrupted power during grid outages?

In India, most solar plants are grid-tied, offering advantages like lower maintenance and cost. However, they face a major limitation in remote areas where grid outages disrupt power generation. Grid-tied inverters require a stable grid reference, meaning that even installed solar plants cannot supply electricity during power cuts. Many customers have raised concerns about this issue, as they expect continuous green energy but experience downtime when the grid is unavailable.

To address this, we are developing an innovative solution enabling solar plants to function effectively during grid failures. While details remain confidential, the system is designed to operate as an off-grid unit, ensuring an uninterrupted power supply without relying on large battery storage. This technology will enhance solar plant efficiency by enabling surplus energy utilisation for alternative applications, such as irrigation pumps or small-scale industrial machines like rice mills.

Currently, we are in the advanced testing stages, focusing on packaging and optimisation. While it is uncertain whether we can showcase it at Intersolar, it remains a key development priority. We are actively collaborating with stakeholders across India to form strategic partnerships to bring this innovation to the market and enhance the reliability of renewable energy solutions.