In an exclusive interview with SolarQuarter, Abhijeet More, Sales Head India – Commercial & Home Business, SMA Solar India shares his experience at SMA Solar, their products’ key differentiating factors, and his growth plan for the company.
Abhijeet has been selected as a Digital Influencing Volunteer at the United Nations Global week to Act for SDGs and holds various esteemed titles including Senior Green Ambassador, Climate Advocate, Global Goodwill Ambassador, and Energy Swaraj Warrior. Recently, he was also chosen as an Atal Mentor of Change by the Government of India’s NITI Ayog. With over 5,000 subscribers, Abhijeet’s weekly LinkedIn newsletter, where he shares his experiences and contributions towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and climate change, has gained a substantial following. To commemorate India’s 75th independence day, Abhijeet has pledged to perform 75 activities towards the SDGs throughout the year, showcasing his dedication to both society and the environment.
Here are the excerpts from the conversation.
Congratulations on your new role! Tell us how has the experience at SMA Solar been so far.
I am excited to work for SMA Solar India because SMA is a leading global player in the solar industry. I work with a talented team of professionals and together we strive to provide world-class solutions to our customers. My experience at SMA so far has been great.
I got to know SMA when I installed the advanced and user-friendly SMA solar inverters on my first project. I was impressed with the built-in solutions and remote monitoring portal that made the installation process a breeze. This experience solidified my admiration for the German brand, and I have always dreamed of working for SMA.
SMA has a clear vision for the renewable, decentralized and climate-friendly energy supply of the future. More than 110 GW of power with SMA solar inverters are already installed worldwide – and the trend is rising. Thanks to a high level of innovation, SMA is launching new products on the market for commercial and industrial applications as well as for home applications and is striving to expand its production capacity.
The company’s focus on innovation and commitment to delivering the highest quality products has also been a highlight of my experience so far. I look forward to continuing to contribute to its growth and success in the future. And I am truly proud to be part of a company that is making a positive impact on the environment.
Please highlight on few key differentiating factors of SMA products.
SMA Solar Technology AG is a global leader in photovoltaic system technology and has more than 40 years of experience in the solar industry. The company holds more than 1700 patents and is at the forefront of innovation and technological advancement in the industry. SMA is constantly looking for new and innovative ways to improve its products and solutions and ensure that renewable energy supplies advance.
SMA is known for manufacturing high-quality inverters and innovative energy solutions that withstand extreme temperatures and harsh environmental conditions and excel in performance and reliability. SMA values the trust of its customers and places great emphasis on building long-term relationships based on honesty and integrity. The company strives to provide its customers with accurate and transparent information and deliver products that meet their needs and exceed their expectations.
SMA has a strong global presence with a strong worldwide sales and service network. This enables the company to provide the best possible service and support to its customers, regardless of where they are located.
What have you learned in recent years that you would like to implement in the future?
I have been working in the solar industry for many years and have gained a lot of experience working with European manufacturers during my career. Therefore, I have a deep understanding of premium brand customers. This has contributed to me being named one of “India’s Top 40 under 40 most promising young business leaders” in 2019.
Despite the highly competitive and price sensitive Indian market, I have been able to develop successful sales strategies and achieve high sales volume and profitable margins. Going forward, I would like to continue to contribute all my skills and strategies and work towards making SMA the preferred brand in the Indian industry. I am confident that with my experience and passion for the industry, I will be able to make a valuable contribution to SMA and advance climate-friendly energy.
I am proud to be share my passion with more than 26,000 followers on LinkedIn. This is a fantastic and valuable opportunity to stay in close contact with and support our customers in the future.
What is your aim for SMA in the next 5 years?
My goal for SMA in the next 5 years is to contribute to consolidate its position as the preferred and trusted solar inverter company in India. I am aware of the growing demand for high quality inverters in the Indian market and believe that customers appreciate the benefits of high quality inverters and power solutions.
My target is to drive growth and success through strong partnerships and help make SMA the inverter brand of choice, delivering best return on investment to customers. I am confident that our extended warranty program of 20 years and our best in class after-sales service will provide excellent support to our customers throughout the entire life cycle of the system.
I am also convinced that SMA will play a valuable role in helping India become a net- zero country by 2050 and achieve its solar target of 300 GW by 2030, making India a world leader in the use of climate-friendly solar energy.
