Solis India Hits A Leadership Milestone With 3 GW In India

Solis Inverter, the China-based global solar inverter firm, recently celebrated a significant milestone in the Indian market by achieving 3 GW of installed capacity. This achievement marks three years of leadership in the rooftop and commercial and industrial (C&I) segments in India for Solis. The number is all the more creditable when considered with the fact that it has been achieved almost completely in the rooftop solar and C&I segment that has multiple global and local firms vying for market share. Utility scale solar has dominated the market in India until recently, accounting for over 85% of total capacity added.

The Building Blocks To Success

For Solis, the eight year old journey in India has been anything but one way. Honey Raza, Business Director, India is only too happy to acknowledge the tremendous learnings for the firm from operating in India. “The Indian experience has been very favorable for us, we got to understand the different requirements, technicalities and engineering challenges, not all of which are obvious from outside. This has made our product offering more robust, like working with the biggest IPPs and EPCs and supporting them with customized solutions. The same solutions can be readily used to solve many issues pertaining to HVRT, FRT and other communication queries in similar markets.  Grid stabilization is not a single day solution,  it needs continues feedback. By introducing new models like the PRO series and new residential series we are confident of sustaining our strong show in India.

With parent firm Ginlong Technologies involved in the design and production of solar and wind power inverters for over 15 years now, brand Solis has a strong global footprint  that is a testimony to its strengths and commitment to the business. The strong legacy of research and relentless focus has meant that the company counts  product quality, customer service, and competitive pricing as the key factors that have helped it deliver in India too.

Raza adds that “We have always sought to bring the best products and provide world class service support to the customers. Ranking number one is not just the numbers on a sheet but I would liken it to a gesture of customer reciprocation to the heart and soul team Solis has put in the market here. While various ranking agencies have already ranked us number one we won’t be resting on this achievement. Solis is continuously gathering and analyzing feedback, and iterating the product accordingly, and that’s how we work towards achieving the best possible product fit for our target customers.

The Indian market, with its tropical conditions of high temperatures, dust, and other environmental factors can truly impact performance. For Solis, that meant building products not just to withstand these conditions but ensuring reliable performance and minimal maintenance.

Raza takes pains to stress that minimal maintainance does not mean any shift in its customer service goals. The company has a strong network of service centers and technicians across India, ensuring that customers have access to quick and efficient support when they need it. This has helped to build trust and loyalty among customers, which has been essential for the company's long-term success.

A key strength today is the strong network of EPC firms, distributors and installers the firm has established to ensure strong reach in every corner of the country.

At the manufacturing level, a strong supplier network, focus on research and production at scale at its 40 GW capacity plant in China has supported Solis efforts to expand the market with competitive pricing, even supporting the entry of many new customers to the solar market. As India has been promoting rooftop solar installations through various incentives and subsidies, it has taken firms like Solis to deliver reassurance with a broad range of offerings and quality service.  

Raza informs us that Solis today is catering to all the segments of the solar industry. “ We have the complete range from residential 1-10kW, which is equipped with latest grid management algorithm and safety features. This year we shall be expanding our reach in this segment and have doubled our turnover targets for the segment”, he adds.

“ The  Commercial and industrial segment inverters where we have the biggest market share is being improved with better design and optimization to support customer’s requirement. In Utility we are suppling to the top EPCs and developers which are looking for sustainable supplies and stable after service support”.  In a sector that has been racked by supply disruptions, Raza stresses that Solis has been careful to enter into contracts only after being sure of delivery and as per specifications.

Looking Ahead

With the key issues like semiconductor shortage and other raw material disruptions expected to be resolved by July this year, Solis is hoping to build for high growth once again, after the relatively steady growth and consolidation of previous years.

Raza informs that “ We are expecting to launch some new cutting edge products at SNEC 2023, Shanghai this year, to support key market requirements. We are also actively considering an expansion of our manufacturing base outside China, especially South East Asia. ”.

With India’s solar market expected to move into high gear, especially the segments where Solis is already the market leader, the firm sees a long runway of growth ahead of it. And as the Business Head, Honey Raza is right where he wants to be.   

“While the  C&I and residential segment which have been our strengths will continue to get attention, the utility segment will not be ignored either, as supply issues ease. We are seeing a welcome push from the government in terms of fast tracking of projects,  monitoring of project delays and the exemption from ALMM requirements till next year.