Solar batteries and inverters propelling RE growth

The focus is on innovations in lithium-ion and lead-acid batteries for durability and performance. Trends include integrating AI and IoT in inverters and exploring sodium-ion batteries and modular storage systems.

Innovation in energy efficiency is playing a pivotal role in advancing the renewable energy sector in India. Industrialists are focused on advancements and leading the way globally. Through dedicated R&D efforts, these industry leaders are developing state-of-the-art solar batteries, inverters, and energy management systems. The trend focuses on lithium-ion and lead-acid battery innovations, enhancing durability and performance. Integrating AI and IoT into inverters is optimising energy conversion. Innovations, including sodium-ion batteries and modular storage systems, offer scalable, durable, and fast-charging solutions. This is positioning India as a global leader in renewable energy solutions. Let us analyse the combined effort of the industrialists innovating these cutting-edge technologies for energy efficiency.

R&D backbone of product innovation

Research and Development is the backbone of product innovation. Focus on integrating advanced technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) to help optimise energy conversion, reduce power losses, and enhance system monitoring capabilities. Sanchit Goyal from Su-Kam shares, “Our investment in R&D is central to driving innovation and enhancing the reliability of our products. In line with our commitment to support ‘Make in India, ‘ we continually push the boundaries of efficiency by developing cutting-edge energy management systems and intelligent backup solutions.” Speaking further on the R&D efforts by Su-Kam, he said, “Thanks to our sincere R&D efforts, we have over 100 patents in the power solutions sector. Our focus remains intact on maximising battery performance and energy storage efficiency. At Su-Kam, we ensure that our products meet global standards in durability and sustainability. By leveraging advanced technologies, we provide customers with reliable and energy-efficient solutions while contributing to India’s leadership in renewable energy.” 

Sharing his views, V.V Kamath from Fronius India says that R&D is the backbone of Fronius India’s product innovation. The company focuses on integrating advanced technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and power electronics into its inverters. These innovations help optimise energy conversion, reduce power losses, and enhance system monitoring capabilities. For example, IoT enables real-time monitoring of inverter performance, allowing for predictive maintenance, while AI-driven analytics help prevent system failures and maximise energy output. He states, “By investing in R&D, we ensure that our products meet today’s energy management needs and are adaptable to future advancements. This forward-thinking approach ensures that Fronius inverters remain at the forefront of the industry, providing customers with reliable and long-lasting solutions.”

Gautam Patil from Cygni Energy comments that R&D in solar batteries has played a pivotal role in enhancing efficiency, product innovation, and reliability in energy management. New battery chemistries (such as solid-state or sodium-ion) have been developed to offer higher energy density, longer lifespans, wider operating temperature bands, and faster charging capabilities, improving storage efficiency. This has also led to better energy management by optimising how stored solar energy is used and reducing wastage. He further says, “R&D’s improvement in cycle life and depth of discharge (DoD) has resulted in more durable batteries that can provide stable power over extended periods. Continuous innovation through R&D has fostered cost reductions, making solar batteries more affordable while enhancing reliability through better performance in diverse environmental conditions. Lithium batteries today are available at sub-$100 per kWh for large systems, which many consider an inflexion point that makes solar and storage grids competitive.”

Choosing right product

Choosing the right solar battery and inverter is crucial for optimising energy storage and system performance. Key factors like battery chemistry, depth of discharge, cycle life, and inverter type influence decision-making. Though costlier, lithium-ion batteries and hybrid inverters offer long-term efficiency and flexibility for renewable energy systems. Gautam Patil from Cygni Energy emphasises that choosing the right solar battery depends on factors like battery chemistry, depth of discharge (DoD), and cycle life. Lead-acid batteries are cost-effective but have shorter lifespans and lower efficiency, so they are suitable for short-term projects. Though pricier initially, lithium-ion batteries offer higher energy density, longer lifespans, and better DoD, making them more cost-effective over time. They provide up to twice the discharge energy and ten times the cycle life compared to lead-acid batteries. Additional considerations include charging speed, temperature sensitivity, and maintenance needs. Balancing these factors ensures optimal performance and cost efficiency for solar energy systems. 

Talking about the inverter segment V.V Kamath from Fronius India opines that choosing the right solar inverter is critical to optimising system performance and managing costs. Several factors influence the choice of inverter, including the installation size, energy requirements, and budget. He says, “We offer a range of inverter types — string and hybrid—each tailored to specific needs. String inverters are ideal for residential and small commercial projects due to their flexibility and ease of installation. Hybrid inverters are increasingly popular for homes and businesses looking to integrate energy storage, providing a future-proof solution.” 

 Sanchit Goyal from Su-Kam shares his views on the battery segment by saying that solar battery type depends on several key factors, such as specific energy storage requirements, intended application, and cost considerations. He says, “Su-Kam encompasses a wide range of batteries, including both lead-acid and lithium-ion batteries. These batteries have several unique benefits. Lithium-ion batteries are known for their high energy density and long lifespan; they are ideal for high-performance applications like electric vehicles and solar energy storage systems.

“Even though they come at a higher upfront cost, lithium-ion batteries are in high demand due to customers’ shifting preferences towards renewable energy. On the other hand, lead-acid batteries are more cost-effective and remain a viable option for budget-constrained markets. We take pride in developing both possibilities with a concerted focus on maximising the battery’s performance and lifespan. Our exclusive product line allows our valued customers to choose the best solution based on their requirements.”

Boosting solar supply

The surge in demand under the ‘PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojna’ has rapidly accelerated the solar market in India. Key players are scaling production, optimising supply chains, and leveraging government incentives to efficiently meet the growing demand for solar inverters and batteries nationwide. V.V Kamath from Fronius India states that the ‘PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojna launch has created a surge in demand for residential solar inverters across India. He adds, “We are addressing this demand by optimising the supply chain and increasing production capacity. The company has implemented advanced inventory management systems and established strong partnerships with Fronius System Partners to  efficiently meet market needs.” He says that the scalable inverter solutions cater to  small residential and large commercial installations, allowing Fronius to adapt to varying demand levels. This flexibility ensures it can maintain a steady supply of high-quality inverters even as market conditions fluctuate. Fronius India is well-positioned to support the rapid growth of solar installations under PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojna by staying ahead of the supply-demand curve.  

Additionally, Sanchit Goyal from Su-Kam emphasises that the rising demand under the ‘PM Surya Ghar Yojna’ has undoubtedly spurred rapid growth in the solar battery market. “We have invested in expanding our manufacturing facilities to meet the increased demand for solar batteries. We have scaled production and optimised supply chains to bridge the massive demand-supply gap. By collaborating with local suppliers, we are well-positioned to meet the growing demand of the market while maintaining the high quality and affordability of our product line,” he comments.  

Since solar inverters are an important component of the renewable sector, Venkat Rajaraman from Cygni Energy states that India is adopting several strategies to address the supply-demand gap for solar inverters amid rising demand. Scaling up domestic manufacturing through government incentives and “Make in India” initiatives are reducing reliance on imports. Improved supply chains with local supplier development enhance availability and reduce delays. Investments in research and Development are creating cost-effective, high-quality inverters suited for Indian conditions. A thriving Start-up ecosystem and smaller manufacturers are diversifying production sources. Government policy support, such as reducing import duties on critical components, eases production constraints and helps meet the growing demand efficiently.

Driving market leadership

Leading innovators in renewable energy drive the solar industry with advanced battery and inverter technologies. Their commitment to eco-friendly solutions, AI-driven systems, and sustainable storage innovations positions them at the forefront of the renewable energy market, advancing the nation’s green energy goals. V.V Kamath from Fronius India says that Fronius leads the solar inverter market by combining cutting-edge technology with a strong focus on customer satisfaction. “The recent innovations include AI-enhanced predictive maintenance and IoT-enabled monitoring systems, which allow users to optimise energy yields while minimising downtime,” he states. He further comments that Fronius prioritises after-sales service, offering remote diagnostics, troubleshooting, and personalised support to ensure a seamless customer experience. By aligning innovations with customer needs, Fronius India continues to set industry standards, ensuring that its products lead in performance and deliver long-term value. 

Expressing his views, Venkat Rajaraman from Cygni Energy states that Cygni has deployed over 125 MWh of storage solutions, powering over 100,000 EVs. The company’s new Greenfield project supports a 1200 MWh capacity and introduces key innovations in energy storage. “We have launched sodium-ion batteries for stationary applications, which excel in extreme temperatures, reduce reliance on critical minerals from China, and offer superior safety and fast charging. We also provide modular, customisable battery systems for scalable storage solutions,” he adds.  Venkat further comments that committed to sustainability, Cygni Energy ensures responsible recycling through Extended Producer Responsibility registration and aims for LEED platinum certification for its Hyderabad Gigafactory. With AI-driven battery management systems, Cygni enhances performance and efficiency, while their solar batteries feature fast charging, high durability, and robust remote monitoring.

Talking about market exploration, Sanchit Goyal from Su-Kam explains that Su-Kam is leading the market with its constant innovation and commitment to customer satisfaction. “We are at the forefront of the solar battery segment due to our latest lithium-based energy storage and advanced battery management systems (BMS) innovations. We are well-known for offering eco-friendly solutions. Our collaboration with major infrastructure projects like Chennai and Delhi Metro Rail has allowed us to demonstrate the robustness and reliability of our products. Our customer-centric approach and ability to offer comprehensive after-sales services and warranties have made us the top choice among consumers. Moreover, our capability of constant innovation reinforces trust in our brand across India and international markets,” he comments.

We have analysed that India is advancing in the renewable energy sector day by day. This rapid drive is being taken forward by industrialists’ R&D innovations in solar batteries, inverters, and energy management systems. With a focus on AI, IoT, and sustainable technologies, these efforts are positioning India as a global leader, meeting rising demand while achieving efficiency, reliability, and eco-friendly energy solutions.

Sanchit Sekhwal Goyal, Director, Su-Kam Power Systems

“Thanks to our sincere R&D efforts, we have over 100 patents in the power solutions sector. Our focus remains intact on maximising battery performance and energy storage efficiency. At Su-Kam, we ensure that our products meet global standards in durability and sustainability.”

V.V Kamath, Managing Director – Fronius India

“We offer a range of inverter types — string and hybrid—each tailored to specific needs. String inverters are ideal for residential and small commercial projects due to their flexibility and ease of installation. Hybrid inverters are increasingly popular for homes and businesses looking to integrate energy storage, providing a future-proof solution.”

Venkat Rajaraman, Founder and CEO- Cygni Energy

“We have launched sodium-ion batteries for stationary applications, which excel in extreme temperatures, reduce reliance on critical minerals from China, and offer superior safety and fast charging.”