Orb Energy launches ground-mounted solar park debut in Karnataka

Groundbreaking solar initiative offsets 45,000 tonnes of CO2 annually, fostering SME growth with an innovative ownership model.

Orb Energy, a prominent player in the Indian solar power industry, has launched its inaugural 35 MW (DC) ground-mounted solar park in Arsikere, located in Karnataka’s Hassan district. Spanning 110 acres, this solar park generates 5.24 crore units of green power annually and offsets 45,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide each year. It is designed to empower SMEs in the region.

Orb Energy plans to develop and commission approximately 400 MW of solar parks for SMEs across India by the decade’s end, with an anticipated investment of around ₹2,000 crore. With 27 MW (DC) already commissioned over 90 acres, Orb Energy aims to complete its SME-centric solar park by the middle of the current financial year. Their innovative model allows enterprises to purchase plots and own their solar sub-arrays within the overall park.

To support this initiative, Orb Energy offers a five-year in-house financing option, enabling SMEs to transition to off-site solar solutions quickly and cost-effectively. Owners of off-site solar systems can expect reduced electricity costs of about ₹3.5-4 per unit over the system’s lifetime. This model leverages existing infrastructure to increase generation, benefiting both discoms and enterprises, while enhancing SME competitiveness. The company also plans to establish a second solar park in Karnataka to further support its SME clients’ off-site solar needs.

This innovative approach has been embraced by SMEs across various industries, such as foundries, die-cast companies, precision components manufacturers, and malls, empowering them to manage rising electricity bills and boost their competitiveness.