Orb Energy

Orb Energy operates as a vertically integrated solar energy solutions provider, strategically positioned within India's renewable energy sector. The company was established in 2006 by Damian Miller and NP Ramesh, both of whom previously worked at Shell Solar. Their collective experience in the solar industry, particularly in emerging markets across Asia and Africa, laid the groundwork for Orb Energy's business model. Miller, with a PhD from Cambridge University focused on the commercialization of solar technology, and Ramesh, with over 28 years in consumer electronics and solar, identified an opportunity in the Indian market after Shell ceased its solar operations.

The company's core business involves the in-house manufacturing of solar panels, alongside providing comprehensive solar energy services which include the design, installation, and financing of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems. This vertical integration allows Orb Energy to maintain control over both quality and cost. The primary target market consists of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in India, a segment often underserved in the transition to renewable energy. Residential, commercial, and industrial clients are also part of its customer base. Revenue is generated through the sale and installation of solar systems, including rooftop and ground-mounted PV systems, as well as solar water heaters. A pivotal element of Orb's strategy is its in-house financing facility, which provides collateral-free loans to SMEs, directly addressing the significant barrier of high upfront costs.

Orb Energy offers a range of products, including monocrystalline and polycrystalline solar modules, tailored for residential, commercial, and industrial use. Its solutions are designed to provide a rapid payback period, often within 3-4 years for commercial customers, after which they benefit from significantly reduced energy costs. The company has recorded significant milestones, including the installation of over 170,000 systems and deploying approximately 350 MW of solar PV installations across India as of early 2025. In 2014, the company expanded its operations by launching a subsidiary in Kenya to replicate its successful Indian business model in the African market. Orb has also secured substantial funding from investors like Shell, the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), and the Netherlands Development Finance Company (FMO) to fuel its growth, particularly for its SME financing arm.

Keywords: solar energy solutions, rooftop solar, SME financing, vertical integration, solar panel manufacturing, commercial solar, industrial solar, residential solar, solar water heating, renewable energy India, collateral-free solar loans, ground-mounted solar, clean energy, solar power systems, energy financing, solar installation, emerging markets energy, sustainable energy, photovoltaic systems, Kenya solar market