Sujata Agrawal

Tata BP Solar is reaching for the sun to deliver dependable solar energy that’s easy on the environment and the consumer’s pocket

The Bangalore-based Tata BP Solar has initiated a unique concept called ‘Solar Shops’ as an extension of its effort to promote the use of products using cost-effective solar energy.

A joint venture between the Tata Group and BP Solar, USA, the global leaders in solar technology, Tata BP Solar is India’s largest solar company. It offers complete and integrated solar energy solutions while designing and manufacturing solar cells, solar modules and solar power-generating systems for various applications.

Set up three months back, the Solar Shops are exclusive outlets which display and sell the entire range of solar products manufactured by the company. These products, user-friendly and of high quality, use specially developed photovoltaic batteries that are reliable and long-lasting. Alongside, education kits are designed and developed to educate young students on the applications of solar power.

The shops have attractive display panels which give product specifications and details of usage, while product demonstrations help the consumer make the right decision on what to buy.

Listed below are some of the products in the shops:

• Tatadeep Solar Lanterns are lightweight, compact and portable. They provide three hours of bright, omni-directional light on a single day’s charge. They can be used in homes, shops, campsites and field offices.
• Jugnu Home Lighting Systems are ideal for homes, farmhouses, offices, banks, shops, construction sites and clinics and are available with two to four lights.
• Udyandeep Garden Lighting Systems can find optimum use in pathways, gardens and gateways. They have an auto on/off feature.
• Margadeep Street Lighting Systems can be used as a backup facility for no-sunshine days. They have an auto on/off feature and and can operate from dusk to dawn. They can be used for street and yard lighting as well as for lighting of colonies and townships.
• The Eco-Chef Solar Cooker is a safe, effective, economical and environment-friendly cooking appliance. It is light and can be used to cook basic Indian meals. It is ideal to carry on camps and picnics.
• Solar water-heating systems can heat 50 to 500 litres per day at 60° C. Easy to install and requiring minimum piping, they have an insulated stainless steel tank and electrical backup for no-sun days. The product is BIS-certified and the design is registered with the patents office. Special HHC series systems are available for cold climates and hard-water applications.

Solar Shops have been set up in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Haryana and West Bengal. Says K. Subramanya, vice-president, sales and marketing: "The response has been very good from households as well as the corporate sector." The company plans to open an additional 10 shops in Maharashtra, Jammu and Kashmir and Goa during the current year.

During 2000-2001, the company recorded a turnover of Rs 160 crore, of which Rs 11.5 crore came from sales of solar water heating systems, a product that has, according to Subramanya, received an overwhelming response from consumers.