Since going solar, Parekh’s Signature Mall has saved approximately INR 10.6 lakhs annually on electricity costs. The environmental benefits are just as important. They’ve significantly reduced their CO₂ emissions, contributing to cleaner air. In addition, the shift to solar has enhanced their energy efficiency, reduced the burden on the local grid, and positioned them as a leading example of green energy adoption in the region, says Damian Miller, Co-founder & CEO of Orb Energy in an interview with EVolution Auto India.
Q: Can you tell us a bit about Orb Energy along with its vision and mission?
Damian Miller: We started Orb Energy back in 2006 with a simple idea – make solar easy for businesses. Our mission has always been to make solar energy affordable, accessible, and hassle-free for companies that want to switch to cleaner power.
What sets us apart is that we do everything ourselves, we manufacture our own panels and provide end-to-end solutions, from design and installation to servicing and even financing. It’s a full-stack approach that ensures our customers have a smooth, reliable experience. We want them to feel confident about making the switch—and supported every step of the way.
Q: Please provide an overview of the partnership between Orb Energy and Parekh’s Signature Mall.
Damian Miller: We partnered with Parekh’s Signature Mall in Vijayapura, Karnataka, with a clear goal: to help them bring down their energy costs while making the shift to clean, reliable power. For a commercial space like a mall, where power usage is high and consistent, solar makes a lot of sense.
They installed a 110 kWp rooftop solar system, and the results spoke for themselves. They saw close to a 60 percent drop in electricity bills, which is a major win for any retail business. What made the partnership especially meaningful was the trust Mr. Mahaveerchand Parekh placed in our team. He appreciated our Make in India approach and the fact that we manage everything in-house.
More than just cost savings, the mall strengthened its commitment to sustainability. Mr. Parekh mentioned that Orb Energy would be his preferred partner across his group of companies, and that kind of trust is something we truly value.
Q: Could you explain the specifics of the installation of the 330 Wp rooftop solar system at Parekh’s Signature Mall in Aug 2019? Also, walk us through the installation process and the challenges you faced.
Damian Miller: The system we installed was 110 kWp, using our 330 Wp solar panels. As with any large commercial rooftop, the first step was a detailed site assessment to understand the space and the load requirements. From there, our team handled everything—structural design, procurement, mounting, and commissioning.
One of the key challenges was fitting the system efficiently on the rooftop without disrupting mall operations. But thanks to good planning and coordination with the mall team, we made it work smoothly. The project was delivered on time, and the client was happy, which is what we always aim for.
Q: How much energy is the 110kWp rooftop solar system generating for Parekh’s Signature Mall on average per day/month?
Damian Miller: Our 110kWp rooftop solar system generates an average of around 330-440 kWh per day and approximately 9,900-13,200 kWh per month for Parekh’s Signature Mall. This system significantly reduces our dependence on grid electricity, leading to substantial savings on energy costs.
Beyond the financial benefits, it aligns with our broader sustainability goals, contributing to a cleaner environment by lowering our carbon footprint. We are proud to lead by example in adopting renewable energy and reinforcing our commitment to green practices, setting a benchmark for other businesses in the region.
Q: Can you share how much Parekh’s Signature Mall has saved on electricity costs annually since the installation? In addition to the cost savings, what environmental benefits has Parekh’s Signature Mall experienced after adopting solar energy?
Damian Miller: Since going solar, Parekh’s Signature Mall has saved approximately INR 10.6 lakhs annually on electricity costs. The environmental benefits are just as important. They’ve significantly reduced their CO₂ emissions, contributing to cleaner air.
In addition, the shift to solar has enhanced their energy efficiency, reduced the burden on the local grid, and positioned them as a leading example of green energy adoption in the region. This positive impact creates a ripple effect, encouraging others to make sustainable choices.
Q: What key lessons did Orb Energy learn while working with Parekh’s Signature Mall that could benefit other companies looking to adopt solar energy?
Damian Miller: There were quite a few takeaways from this project. First, every rooftop is unique, and getting the design right for large commercial spaces is key. We also learned how crucial it is to work closely with clients—to understand their schedules, minimize disruptions, and communicate clearly.
Another big one is financing. Offering tailored financing solutions makes solar more accessible, and that’s something we’ve really doubled down on since. And finally, building long-term relationships based on trust is everything. Mr. Parekh’s confidence in our team and our product is what made this project—and the ones that followed—so success.