UrjaDaily: How has Premier Energies’s journey been so far? Please give a brief about the company?
Saluja: The journey of Premier Energies started back in 1995. Founded by Shri Surender Pal Singh, we are a 26-year-old clean energy company, specializing in providing end to end solar power solutions to various organizations with a robust network across thirty countries including Europe, Africa, and Asia.
Premier Energies has customers across India and is a trusted OEM Partner for prestigious retail brands like Luminous, Panasonic and Havells. We currently have two manufacturing plants – the first in Annaram Village, Gummadidala – Mandal, Sangareddy District and the second in Maheshwaram (M), Ranga Reddy District, Telangana, where we manufacture Solar PV Cells, Solar Modules, and do installation of IPP based solar power projects.
For over two decades, we have been driving sustainability in the renewable energy sector with a spectrum of products and innovations for energy generation and storage. Premier Energies is one of the leading Solar PV Cells & Module manufacturing companies and India’s first solar module company to be BIS certified. We are proud of the fact that Premier Energies has today diversified from solar energy to a fully integrated clean energy company offering end to end solutions.
UrjaDaily: Renewable energy is a booming industry in India and abroad. How is Premier Energies planning to cater the market?
Saluja: The renewable energy industry in India is going to grow rapidly in the coming years. It is proving to be the most-competitive energy source today in the world. As a developing nation, we are also better placed in terms of opportunities in the sustainability and renewable energy sector.
We are on course to becoming South India’s Largest Integrated Solar-Cell and Solar-Panels company with the commissioning of our new manufacturing facility wherein we will be doubling our installed capacity and will be launching the latest products at par with Global Tier 1 manufacturers. We are also planning to grow our OEM customer base and enhance our share of exports to North America, Asia and African continents.
UrjaDaily: What was the mission & vision behind starting Premier Energies?
Saluja: The past decade has witnessed a tectonic shift towards clean energy, with people realizing the need to avoid the repercussions of climate change. Being one of the top key players in the solar sector, we believe that the actual economic growth of the country will lie in renewable energy. Hence as a company, we aim to be among the top 3 brands in the renewable energy sector by 2023, as indeed among the top 5 companies for people to work in by 2025
Our vision is to be an impactful global leader in creating sustainable renewable energy solutions that contribute to cleaner air and a greener world using the latest technology and our mission, as mentioned earlier, is to be one among the top 3 brands in the industry for solar manufacturing and EPC by 2023.
UrjaDaily: Who are your competitors in the market & what distinguishes Premier from competition?
Saluja: Any company offering good quality solar solutions are our competitors.
Our focus on quality, innovation and technology set us apart from competition. Our state-of-the-art solar cell and module manufacturing line, with a total annual capacity of 1250 MW is equipped with the latest technology. This ensures reliable, long-lasting, cost-effective and energy saving solar cells and modules that contribute towards a greener tomorrow with a promise for a sustainable future.
UrjaDaily: How has the pandemic affected the working of the company?
Saluja: COVID-19 has disrupted businesses across sectors and we are no exception. It was difficult to navigate the challenges of project completion while keeping the safety of our employees in mind. Reduced manpower on site also impacted our supply chain. There has been some delay in the projects and deadlines; however we are working towards meeting our commitments, as best we can.
UrjaDaily: Are there any future plans to work with Indian central or state government?
Saluja: We have been extensively involved with Central and State government on implementation of RE projects. As on date we have supplied and installed around 30,000 Solar water pumps under the PM-KUSUM scheme. We have also successfully completed 100MW Solar ground mounted project for the Neyveli Lignite Corporation (NLC Ltd) and electrified 114 Residential Schools for the Telangana Government.