On the terrace of his Ahmedabad home, Aditya Dave gazes proudly at a sunflower — not a real one, but a striking solar tree that mimics its form. The flower-like panels bloom above a shaded gazebo, combining aesthetics with astonishing utility. Thanks to this innovative setup, Aditya saves nearly Rs 5,000 a month on his electricity bill.
The brain behind this clever creation is Shani Pandya, a 30-year-old engineer and founder of Imagine Powertree Pvt. Ltd. His vision? To turn every inch of urban space into a power-generating marvel. “The gazebo and solar tree have transformed our terrace into both a visual treat and a renewable energy hub,” Aditya shares.
This fusion of beauty and efficiency is part of a broader movement toward vertical solar solutions — solar trees, gazebos, and tiles — that conserve space while delivering clean energy. A single 20-kilowatt solar tree, for example, can power up to six homes in a day.
But the solar revolution isn’t just blooming in city terraces.
In Mulshi taluka, a remote part of Pune district, life after sunset once came to a halt. By 7:30 pm, villages plunged into darkness, their only light coming from kerosene lamps. It was a world of anxious silences, shadowy trails, and lurking dangers.
Until six months ago.
Enter Tanveer Inamdar, a 28-year-old mechanical engineer from Pune. Through his initiative, Mission Urja, he introduced portable solar systems that snapped onto walls and roofs with simple tie clips. Families could carry their electricity with them, quite literally.
“We have fans now, light bulbs, even charging for our phones,” beams Sonu Jadhav, a resident. For Sonu and his neighbors, Tanveer brought more than electricity — he brought possibility.
These grassroots innovators — Tanveer, Shani, and the duo of Shilpa and Suneet Kotwal from Solum Enterprises — are reshaping India’s energy future, one rooftop at a time.
The Ground Realities: Electricity Shortages and Economic Barriers
Tanveer highlights the core issue: unreliable electricity. Rural areas face erratic power supply, frequent outages, and unaffordable bills. In some villages, even the Rs 100 monthly electricity charge is too steep. “Farming incomes fluctuate with the seasons. A small bill becomes a major burden,” he says.
That’s why Mission Urja goes beyond installations — it empowers villagers to own their energy systems. “Solar offers freedom from faulty grids and rising costs,” Tanveer notes.
In cities, rooftop solar adoption is skyrocketing. In 2024 alone, India added 3.2 GW of capacity, with Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Kerala leading the charge. Government schemes like Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar are fuelling this growth.
Making Solar Affordable
To meet rising demand, startups are stepping in with inventive, cost-effective options.
Shani’s solar trees and gazebos, priced between Rs 20,000 and Rs 60,000 per kilowatt, are a game-changer for cramped urban homes. A typical 3-kW system costs Rs 1.8 lakh, but government subsidies slash it to about Rs 1.02 lakh. With bank loans covering 70% of the cost, families pay just Rs 25,000-30,000 upfront.
Meanwhile, Shilpa and Suneet Kotwal are pioneering grid-free systems with battery backups. “These setups cost around Rs 1 lakh per kW, but they keep homes running even during outages,” Suneet explains. Their clientele ranges from urban bungalows to rural schools.
Their vision extends further: grid-free solar communities where villages power themselves.
Nine Reforms for a Solar-Powered India
While solar is rising, key reforms could ignite a nationwide transformation. Based on the entrepreneurs’ insights, here are nine changes India urgently needs:
1. Decentralised Energy Governance: Empowering local communities to own and maintain their solar setups fosters responsibility and longevity. Tanveer collects nominal monthly fees (Rs 10-50) for upkeep, supported by CSR partnerships.
2. Complete Solar Packages: Tanveer warns against partial donations. A solar panel without an inverter or battery is like a car with no engine. Systems must be fully equipped to be effective.
3. Solar for Livelihoods: Reforms should encourage solar-powered tools for farmers and artisans. Tanveer suggests subsidising solar stoves and irrigation tools to cut emissions and enhance incomes.
4. Fast-Track Innovation: Shani calls for clear guidelines and faster approvals for new tech like solar tiles. “There’s no standardisation, which delays market entry,” he explains. A dedicated MNRE committee could fix this.
5. Promote Off-Grid Systems: Off-grid setups with battery storage offer true independence. Shilpa says policies should prioritize such systems for remote areas, rather than relying solely on grid extension.
6. Expand Subsidy Scope: Current schemes cap subsidies at 3 kW. Suneet argues for broader support. “Middle-class consumers need more capacity for real savings. The current limits deter them.”
7. Ensure Equitable Access: Many small villages are excluded from grid expansion due to population thresholds. Tanveer urges flexible policies that account for diverse rural needs, from irrigation motors to mobile charging.
8. Train Local Technicians: Sustainable solar systems need local support. Training youth in installation and maintenance ensures durability and boosts employment.
9. Encourage CSR Involvement: Corporate social responsibility initiatives can scale rural solar projects, enhancing energy access and socio-economic development.
Lighting the Way Forward
Whether it’s a sunflower-shaped solar tree or a suitcase-sized solar kit in a remote village, these entrepreneurs are doing more than generating electricity. They’re sparking a movement. One that reimagines how we think about energy — not just as a utility, but as a right.
With each installation, they’re not only lighting homes but also illuminating futures. And as India rises with the sun, these innovators are making sure no one gets left in the dark.