By utilizing the rooftop space to install solar power systems, snacks manufacturer Prabhuji Pure Food, a vertical of Haldiram’s, has saved nearly ₹4.38 million (~$51,214) annually over the past three years.

The solar energy is utilized to power its snacks manufacturing plants in Kolkata. The company installed rooftop solar projects to reduce its reliance on non-renewable energy sources.

These factories produce popular Indian snacks, including soan papdi, moong dal, and other savory treats.

With rising electricity tariffs, Prabhuji sought an alternative and cheaper source of energy, eventually considering solar energy.

The company installed solar systems on the rooftops of its two factories in Alampur and Singur in late 2022.

The total solar capacity comprises a 400 kW project in one of its factories in Alampur and a 555 kW project in another factory in Singur.

Across its two factories, the company was incurring a monthly electricity expenditure ranging between ₹600,000 (~$7,016) and ₹3.5 million (~$40,924).

After adopting solar energy, the company was able to save ₹4.38 million (~$51,214) annually.

The solar projects cumulatively generate approximately 3,200 units of energy daily, totaling roughly 95,000 units per month.

As a grid-connected net-metered solar project, Prabhuji was also able to reduce its dependence on diesel generators and the fuel costs associated with powering them.

Vyomaa Energy set up the rooftop solar systems utilizing 540 Wp monocrystalline passivated emitter and rear cell (PERC) bifacial modules in Singur and 330 Wp monocrystalline PERC monofacial modules in Alampur.

Bifacial modules were chosen for the Singur location due to their growing popularity following the COVID-19 pandemic.

Vyomaa completed the installation in both factories in 90 days. However, it highlighted that the projects were slightly delayed due to supply chain issues during the pandemic.

Food manufacturing facilities often produce soot and black residue that settles on the panels. Vyomaa ensured that the modules were cleaned once a week to minimize losses and maintain generation efficiency.

While the process was seamless for Prabhuji, Vyomaa Energy addressed some of the obstacles encountered during solar system installations.

Venkata Sandeep Anaparthi, Co-founder and Executive Director of Vyomaa Energy,  said, “It was a challenge to coordinate with the regional distribution companies to complete the net metering process for the project. It pushed deadlines slightly beyond the anticipated timeline. We also faced some issues with fixing gaps in the electrical infrastructure and syncing the generators with the solar power projects”.

Riding on the success of their efforts, Prabhuji plans to increase the capacity of the installations.

Several Indian companies are switching to clean energy sources to power their operations to save on energy bills and to become sustainable. Mercom India has been hosting C&I Clean Energy Meets, bringing renewable energy generators and consumers together to raise awareness about the benefits of clean energy.

The next event in the series will be held in Coimbatore on June 13, 2025.

Contact us if you plan to install solar and need guidance or recommendations for vendors.