Large Scale Study on Minigrids in India for an International Development Agency – A large scale study, across 14 states in India, was carried out to understand the current status and challenges of minigrids in rural India and the impact of minigrids on the quality of life, including education and income levels of the households.
Project Management Consultancy for Solar Microgrids for a Foundation- SunMoksha was the Project Management Consultant to setup 70 microgrids in villages in UP, India. The scope included: (A) Feasibility Study, Village Surveys, SPV and BOS Technology Assessment, System Design & Specification and Detailed Project Report; (B) Tender Preparation and Bid Process Management, EPC Vendor Selection; (C) Project Management comprising management of EPC, Quality Management, Site Supervision, Project Execution, Project Stabilization, and Transition into O&M.
Development of the International Center for Application of Solar Energy Technologies (ICASET)- Conducted current status of state-of-art in R&D and testing facilities for solar PV in India and abroad. Identified gaps and suggested most appropriate approach to set-up R&D focus and creation of measurement, verification, and benchmarking lab at ICASET. Conducted strategic planning, gap analysis, and roadmap related to the solar PV activities. Guided ICASET in the design of the equipment testing and benchmarking laboratories for solar PV and identifying suitable instruments/test beds. Conducted status in capacity building across India and the world, to design the various training content for ICASET at IIT Jodhpur.
Business Consulting
Solar Equipment Development, Market Entry, Fund Raising and Business Development- Provided technical and business advisory to a US start-up solar PV equipment company for defining market requirements and developing business strategy & plans and help raise finance for execution. Additionally, performed business development activities in India.
Technology and Business Strategy on Decentralized Solar Thermal Power & Heat for EnerTek- Provided market research & analysis, technology evaluation, business strategy, business plan development and financial due diligence for decentralized small-scale solar thermal product.
Mentoring & Coaching of Clean Tech Start-ups and SMEs for CTI-PFAN Asian Regional Network (USAID, REEEP and ICETT) – Mentoring, Business, and Finance Advisory to companies requesting funding for renewable energy project that is financially viable, socially responsible and environmentally beneficial. Helped over a dozen companies formulate strategy, develop business plans and prepare pitch for investor forum over past decade. Mentored and coached several start-ups and MSMEs over a span of a decade.
Mentored the founding entrepreneur to develop a product for off-grid solar LED solution. Defined product specifications, developed roadmap and go-to market strategy, developed business plan, and supported the entrepreneur through our network for market access.
Mentored the founding entrepreneur to develop a product energy efficient cook-stove that produces uniform radiant heat, flameless, smokeless, noiseless with high thermal efficiency, and works across gas fuel, yet preserves moisture & nutrition in food. Defined roadmap and go-to market strategy, developed business plan, guided through fund-raising process and supported through network.
Solar Pumps for Salt Farms – Mentored the founding entrepreneur to develop business plan for raising equity fund to finance end-users (the salt farmers) to pay for the solar pumping system. Provided financial analysis and market strategy.
Mentored the inventor-entrepreneur to develop business plan for raising equity to finance prototypes and manufacturing facility. Guided on patent strategy, IP protection, and business plan.
Needed to raise funds to finance microgrids business. Reviewed business plan financials and its projections, method of valuation, product spectrum, relationship between funding and actual micro-grid installations and scale-up, cost per micro-grid, etc. Evaluated its proposal, and advised them on the right funding options.
Provided mentoring to the company for strategy and business plan development for cultivation and processing of bio-fuels. Conducted market research and technical due-diligence to evaluate the potential of its unique cultivation methods and plant treatment to grow Jatropa seeds. Also evaluated the potential and business case for bio-diesel processing plant. Worked closely with Karnataka Biofuel Task Force to develop sustainable bio-fuel plantations.
Advisory Services
An Assessment of Renewable Energy Policies, Challenges, and Opportunities for Climate Parliament- Conducted an assessment of renewable energy potential, implementation, and policy landscape in Odisha. The report aimed to sensitize Odisha legislatures with a critical and in-depth analysis of the renewable energy sector in Odisha and identify the key barriers and gaps with respect to the state renewable energy policies and infrastructure.
District Renewable Energy Assessment Plan for Odisha State : The project encompassed physical and financial work plan for execution of renewable energy projects in the district. It entailed capturing the current power scenario of the district, identifying power starving areas, mapping the present levels of development activities in these areas vis-à-vis those in non-power starving areas. It further required identifying development activities in the above areas that need solar PV and other RE interventions, suggesting the type of RE intervention needed, as well as, preparing physical and financial plans for the interventions.
Workshop on Renewable Energy Applications for Rural Livelihood in Odisha- Organized and conducted a stakeholder workshop for an International Development Agency on identifying issues and possible solutions for renewable energy for livelihood in Odisha. The stakeholders included several NGOs, corporates, entrepreneurs, academic institutions and government agencies.
Design and Implementation of India Climate Innovation & Entrepreneurship Centre for infoDev, World Bank/ IFC- Developed climate technology innovation capacity at the grassroots level, accelerate transfer and commercialisation of climate technologies, and foster entrepreneurship in the space. Executed an intensive, in-country stakeholder engagement with focus group workshops, surveys and 1-on-1 interviews. Developed business plan for the implementation of the centre.
Feasibility Study on Cleantech SME Innovation Finance for International Development Agency- Conducted feasibility study and developed debt product to finance innovative SMEs in clean technologies for the development, market introduction and diffusion of innovative technologies in the field of energy efficiency, renewable energy and environment. Conducted extensive surveys of 400+ climate technology SMEs to understand their debt needs. Surveyed clean tech ecosystem organisations, such as, incubators, research institutes, VCs, and academic institutes. The data collected was analysed to develop a financial debt product and is now in the implementation phase.
Market Intelligence
Market Intelligence, Business Strategy and Financial Advisory to Develop Solar Microgrid Product – Mentored, guided and advised a start-up in rural microgrid for market study, business plan development, investment infusion, finance management, technology development, customer acquisition, and market penetration. Conducted surveys in Karnataka, UP, and Bihar to understand the market for DC microgrid solutions with remote management and payment solutions, and address the issues with distribution, collection and control.
Research and Analysis to Assess Viability of Solar Pump and Storage Solution for Irrigation In India- Conducted feasibility studies and pilot demonstration of SIEV (Solar Irrigation with Electric Vehicle) model, to replace diesel pumping with solar-powered, battery-enabled mobile irrigation equipment in India. The program required consultant for technical and economic assessment of the model in India as well as to facilitate private sector partners to conduct demonstrations.
Provided market analysis and strategy for a manufacturing company to enter the solar sector. Conducted an in-depth capability assessment of the company and mapped it to the requirements and gaps of the solar sector, and helped focus on areas where the company can play a strong role with its strength. We are providing on-going consulting support for market development.
