Orb Energy, has inaugurated its first 35 MW (DC) ground-mounted solar park in Arsikere, Hassan district. The 110-acre park is designed to produce 5.24 crore units of green power annually, reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 45,000 tons each year. This initiative specifically aims to empower SMEs in the region.
In a statement, Orb Energy announced plans to develop and commission approximately 400 MW of solar parks for SMEs across India by the end of the decade, with a projected investment of around Rs 2,000 crore.
With 27 MW (DC) already commissioned across approximately 90 acres, Orb Energy expects to complete its SME-centric solar park by the middle of the current financial year. Their innovative model, which allows enterprises to purchase plots and own their own solar sub-arrays within the park, has been highly successful among SMEs in Karnataka.
To further support SMEs in acquiring their own sections of the solar park, Orb Energy offers a unique collateral-free, in-house financing facility with a five-year tenor. This financing option enables SMEs to transition to off-site solar solutions quickly and cost-effectively.
Owners of off-site solar systems can expect reduced electricity costs of approximately 3.5-4.0 rupees per unit over the system’s lifetime, significantly lower than the current grid tariff rates of Rs eight to nine per unit. This arrangement benefits both discoms and enterprises by leveraging existing infrastructure to meet growing electricity demand and enhancing SME competitiveness.
“We saw that many SMEs with substantial power needs and limited roof space required an off-site solar solution. Our unique solar park model, enabling SMEs to buy their own plots and sub-arrays, has been embraced by various industries, including foundries, die-cast companies, precision components, and malls,” said Damian Miller, co-founder and CEO of Orb Energy.
Orb Energy is also planning its second solar park in Karnataka to further support its SME clients.
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