In an interview on the sidelines of the  Mercom India Renewables Summit 2025 held in New Delhi on July 24 and 25, 2025, Bhavesh Kumar Rathod, Founder and Director at Soleos Solar Energy, spoke about the company’s expansion plans and international footprint, along with challenges hindering the growth of renewables in India.

Could you give an overview of the services that Soleos Energy offers?

We provide end-to-end solar solutions, which include project development to deliver shovel-ready capacity, EPC services, and asset management services such as digital operations and maintenance, warranty management, investor management, PPA handling, compliance with government regulations, and insurance management. We also supply battery energy storage solutions, offering solar plus storage systems for both industrial clients and government projects.

Soleos recently secured a 200 MW project in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Was this your first overseas project?

It was not our first. We have developed projects in several regions, including 90 MW  in Europe, projects in Latin America, and multiple projects in African countries such as Ghana, Kenya, and Tanzania. The project in the Democratic Republic of Congo is unique because energy shortages there are worsening as more mining companies and industries arrive. The government is taking steps to increase the generation of renewable energy. This project benefits from a strong PPA rate, a dedicated electricity corridor, and government assurances and guarantees. It is an important step toward securing the country’s future energy needs.

You have worked in many countries. What have you found interesting or beneficial abroad, and what challenges have you faced that might not occur in India?

Every market is different. In Europe, there are strong credit ratings, stable policy frameworks, and well-defined structures. In Africa, policies are still evolving, so we often work directly with governments to shape frameworks and processes. The positive aspect is that many African governments are eager to attract international investors and developers. While there are challenges, they can be navigated effectively by working with the right partners and industry stakeholders.

In India, developers frequently encounter challenges such as land acquisition, transformer capacity, and right-of-way issues. How does Soleos ensure projects are completed without delays or cost overruns?

These are indeed core challenges in the renewable energy sector. We have dedicated teams for each area. For land, we have a network of over 32,000 brokers, and we begin securing land early, even warehousing it before it is needed. For grid connectivity, our team conducts grid impact studies in advance to secure capacity in advance. By starting early with both land and connectivity, we make sure projects run smoothly for customers and investors.

Beyond those challenges, is there any other area where you would like to see policy or regulatory intervention?

Yes, policy stability is crucial. In Europe, policies are stable and provide long-term visibility for planning. In India, frequent changes in banking rules, transmission terms, and distribution charges make it difficult for EPC companies to plan strategically. Stable, long-term policies would allow the business to grow much faster.

What is your roadmap for the near and medium terms?

In the near term, we are developing solar parks in Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh, as well as internationally in Africa and Europe. These parks are shovel-ready, allowing consumers and investors to initiate projects immediately, particularly near large industrial hubs and major cities. In the long term, we plan to integrate battery energy storage systems into these parks and eventually add hydrogen storage. Our ultimate goal is to provide round-the-clock renewable energy, supplying 24-hour clean power.

(Note: Sections of the interview have been paraphrased for better reading. Check out the video for a full chat)