Interview

CHIEF OPERATION OFFICER | SUNKIND INDIA PVT. LTD.

MR. VIRPAL YADAV

Q.Could you elaborate on the main goals and objectives of your company?

 

 At Sunkind, our vision is to be at the forefront of India’s renewable energy revolution. We are committed to setting new industry standards through a continuous focus on three key pillars: timely project delivery, uncompromising quality, and paramount safety. We have developed robust in-house capabilities for Manufacturing Mounting Structures (MMS), and we are on the verge of launching our own module manufacturing facility. This end-to-end control over our supply chain ensures both reliability and efficiency, uniquely positioning us in the market.

In addition to our strengths in manufacturing, we are expanding our Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) business by increasing our footprints across various regions and focusing on the development of large-scale solar parks. These initiatives reflect our ambition to offer integrated solutions that cater to the growing demand for clean energy in India.

Looking ahead, we’re not just content with domestic leadership. Our ambition is to leverage these strengths to establish Sunkind as a significant global player in the renewable energy sector within the next three years. We believe that our commitment to innovation, quality, and sustainability will resonate not only in India but on the world stage. At Sunkind, we’re not just building solar projects; we’re paving the way for a sustainable future with Net Zero emissions at the core of our mission.

 

Q.What innovations or technological advances has your company recently introduced?

At Sunkind, innovation is at the heart of our operations. We’ve recently made significant strides in two key areas--Firstly, in solar module technology, we’re now offering cutting-edge Top Con modules. These modules boast efficiencies ranging from 580 to 665 watts, a substantial leap from the previous industry standard of around 550 watts. This advancement allows us to significantly increase project capacities, offering our clients more power output within the same physical footprint. Secondly, we’ve developed a comprehensive project lifecycle management platform. This innovative tool allows real-time monitoring of every aspect of our projects, from initial lead generation to final completion. It provides: detailed tracking of individual function deliverables, automated alerts to relevant team members, real-time cost control, comparing budgeted versus actual expenses, and instant project status updates

What sets this platform apart is its transparency. We’ve extended access to our clients, allowing them to monitor project progress in real-time. This fosters trust and ensures all stakeholders are always on the same page. These innovations underscore our commitment to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in renewable energy, both in terms of hardware efficiency and project management sophistication.

 

Q.What have been the most significant challenges your company has encountered in the energy sector?

In the rapidly evolving renewable energy sector, Sunkind faces several significant challenges. We’re competing intense competition on two fronts - against established corporate giants and regional players. While we match larger corporations in quality and technical parameters, regional players often undercut prices by compromising on quality, creating a challenging market dynamic. Another challenge is thin profit margins. The industry operates on narrow margins. At times, to secure prestigious clients and build relationships, we’ve had to work with very tight margins, which can strain our financial stability. We also face the hurdle of supply chain volatility. As many components, especially solar modules, are import-dependent, global supply chain disruptions can lead to delays and increased costs. This apart, policy variations across states pose challenges. Some states offer favorable conditions, while others have regulatory hurdles that impact project implementation.

However, we’re also seeing positive developments. For instance, the Rajasthan State Industrial Development and Investment Corporation (RIICO) recently facilitated our establishment of a stateof-the-art solar module manufacturing plant. Their efficient process, completing land allocation and documentation in just three months, demonstrates the growing governmental support for sustainability initiatives. At Sunkind, we view these challenges as opportunities for innovation and improvement. We’re constantly adapting our strategies to navigate these hurdles while maintaining our commitment to quality and sustainability.

 

Q.In the coming years, how does your company intend to contribute to global sustainability goals?

Sunkind Energy is deeply committed to contributing to global sustainability goals, and our plans for the coming years are ambitious and far-reaching. First and foremost, we’re proud to play a key role in advancing India’s renewable energy agenda. Our efforts are closely aligned with the government’s target of achieving 500 GW of non-fossil energy capacity by 2030. This isn’t just a national goal; it’s a significant contribution to global sustainability efforts. For the past five years, Sunkind has been at the forefront of the renewable energy sector. We’ve built a strong reputation for providing exceptional services in Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC), as well as manufacturing robust solar structures. This foundation gives us a unique position to drive sustainable change.

Our organization is committed to leaving an indelible imprint on the renewable energy sector through our focus on achieving ‘Net Zero’ emissions. This involves not just our own operations, but our entire value chain of solar energy production. We’re continually investing in research and development to improve the efficiency and sustainability of our solar energy solutions. This includes enhancing our manufacturing processes, improving solar panel efficiency, and developing more durable and eco-friendly solar structures.

Furthermore, we believe that achieving global sustainability goals requires not just technological solutions, but also a shift in societal awareness and behavior. By sharing our knowledge and promoting the benefits of renewable energy, we aim to inspire broader adoption of sustainable practices. In essence, Sunkind’s contribution to global sustainability goals goes beyond just producing clean energy. Our goal is not just to meet current sustainability targets, but to push the boundaries of what’s possible in creating a cleaner, more sustainable future for all.

 

Q.What long-term objectives does the company have, and what will these entail over the next five to ten years?

Our long-term objectives are firmly rooted in our commitment to global sustainability goals. Over the next five years, we aim to significantly expand our role in the renewable energy sector. This includes scaling up our solar farm initiatives to provide wider access to clean energy for industries and small players alike, thereby reducing reliance on fossil fuels and lowering carbon emissions.

A key focus will be our upcoming PV module manufacturing setup. This facility will not only employ sustainable production practices but also generate over 500 jobs, contributing to local community development. We are also planning to enhance our collaborations with like-minded organizations to leverage solar and wind power more effectively.

Our objectives extend beyond business growth. We’re committed to being a catalyst for change, encouraging businesses and communities to embrace renewable energy. This matches with our broader goal of contributing to poverty reduction, environmental protection, and fostering prosperity for all.”

 

Q.What is going to be the future vision and prospects of your company that will help in its progress?

Sunkind’s future vision is centered on becoming a leading force in the global transition to sustainable energy. We see immense prospects in expanding our renewable energy solutions, particularly in solar power. Our upcoming state-of-the-art PV module manufacturing facility is a cornerstone of this vision, enabling us to produce high-quality, sustainable solar products while creating significant local employment opportunities.

We envision Sunkind as not just an energy provider but a comprehensive sustainability partner. This includes expanding our solar farm initiatives to make clean energy more accessible and affordable. We’re also focusing on innovative solutions that integrate renewable energy into various sectors, from residential to industrial applications. Additionally, we are expanding our O&M (Operations and Maintenance) capabilities to offer comprehensive third-party O&M services, ensuring optimal performance and longevity for solar installations across different sectors.

Moreover, we aim to be at the forefront of green technology advancements, continuously improving the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of our solutions. As part of our growth strategy, we plan to enter the global market, positioning ourselves to compete on an international scale. By aligning our growth with global sustainability goals, we are setting Sunkind on a path to flourish in the rapidly evolving renewable energy landscape, driving both business success and positive environmental impact.