Significant Shift Towards Sustainable Technologies in West Bengal: Amazon India Reports Over 100% Growth in Solar Panel Sales

Amazon India has reported a remarkable over 100% year-on-year (YoY) increase in the sale of solar panels during its month-long Great Indian Festival sale in 2024. This surge reflects a significant shift among buyers in West Bengal towards advanced and sustainable technologies.

The Great Indian Festival, which runs from September 28 to October 29, is an annual event hosted by Amazon India on its website and app.

K.N. Srikanth, Director of the Home, Kitchen, and Outdoors (HKO) segment at Amazon India, highlighted the trend, stating, “Kolkata-based consumers have shown significant adoption of renewable products this year compared to the same sale period last year. The HKO segment’s solar portfolio, which includes solar panels, solar lights, and solar-powered appliances, has seen a growth of more than 65% YoY.”

In addition to solar products, the two-wheeler category, encompassing both electric and petrol-powered vehicles, has experienced an impressive 250% YoY growth, with West Bengal contributing approximately 15% to 20% of this figure. Srikanth noted that petrol two-wheeler sales increased nearly eightfold, while electric two-wheelers witnessed over tenfold growth YoY.

“We attribute this growth to our selection of market-leading brands like Bajaj, Ola, and Ather, as well as local distributors who have facilitated product delivery,” said Mr. Srikanth. Amazon India began retailing electric two-wheelers in the HKO segment in Q4 of the financial year 2023-2024, with petrol-powered two-wheelers launched in July 2024.

An analysis of consumer trends during this year’s Great Indian Festival revealed a notable shift among West Bengal buyers toward advanced artificial intelligence (AI) appliances. “We are seeing a consistent change in consumer behavior, with customers opting for upgraded, higher-value, technology-based products. Health-conscious consumers are purchasing more air fryers instead of traditional deep-frying equipment, cold-pressed juicers instead of mixers and grinders, and no-burn electric irons,” Srikanth explained.

“Kolkata is an important market for us, and we have observed a robust growth of 20% YoY in our HKO segment,” concluded Mr. Srikanth.