In India’s fast-evolving manufacturing sector, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are constantly navigating tight margins, rising input costs, and competitive delivery timelines. Among the biggest cost pressure they face is energy, both in terms of price and reliability. Increasingly, forward-looking businesses are turning to rooftop solar to gain control over their power supply and operating costs.
One such example is Encoders India, a precision manufacturing company based in IMT Faridabad, Haryana. Specialising in high-quality automation components, the company recently installed a 36 kilowatt peak (kWp) rooftop solar system, designed, manufactured, and commissioned by Orb Energy, a leading provider of end-to-end solar solutions.
The system, comprising 98 modules of 380Wp each and powered by a 36kVA inverter, now meets a significant portion of the facility’s daytime energy demand. Since commissioning, it has delivered estimated annual savings of ₹3.6 lakhs, with a payback period of just under 4 years, a compelling return for any SME.
Speaking about the development, Mr. Rajesh Nangia, CEO of Encoders India, said, “We were highly impressed by Orb’s manufacturing facility for solar panels in Bangalore. Their sales, installation and commissioning team also did a wonderful job. We now recommend to everyone to switch to solar, which is commercially viable with payback of just 3 to 3.5 years.””
In a sector where electricity expenses can erode profit margins, solar adoption offers a strategic buffer. For Encoders India, the solar system has improved power consistency, helping avoid grid disruptions during peak production cycles. This has translated into better delivery timelines, reduced downtimes, and stronger customer confidence.
What makes this installation particularly relevant is its replicability. Tailored for a medium-sized operation, the system shows that solar is no longer reserved for large enterprises or public-sector giants. As solar equipment costs decline and state-level incentives grow more accessible, SMEs across India are beginning to view solar not just as a green choice, but a smart financial one.
The decision also strengthens Encoders India’s positioning with clients in export-driven sectors, where sustainability credentials are increasingly scrutinised. With its reduced carbon footprint and enhanced energy efficiency, the company is now better placed to participate in green procurement programs and ESG-compliant supply chains.
Importantly, the project has enabled reinvestment of savings into core business functions, from machinery upgrades and workforce development to scaling production capacity.
Damian Miller, CEO of Orb Energy, said, “Our mission is to empower Indian SMEs with reliable, cost-effective solar. With in-house manufacturing and financing under one roof, we simplify the switch for businesses like Encoders India looking to future-proof their operations.”
In a manufacturing economy defined by tight cycles and high stakes, Encoders India’s move to solar offers a powerful blueprint. It’s a story of how sustainability, when paired with smart financing and the right partner, can fuel both performance and progress, creating long-term value for business and planet alike.
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