As sunlight breaks through the morning haze over India’s busy cities, a quiet change is taking place on rooftops and open fields. Families and factories are turning to solar energy, reducing their electricity costs and moving towards a cleaner future. This change is a technological advancement and also a reflection of visionary leaders guiding the country towards sustainability.
Leading this movement is Ankit Garg, Chairman and Managing Director of Solarium Green Energy Ltd. A graduate of IIT and ISM Dhanbad, he started the company in 2018. Under his leadership, Solarium has grown from a small startup into one of India’s top integrated solar PV module manufacturers and providers of turnkey solar solutions. Based in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, the company has installed solar systems in over 16,000 homes, with a total capacity exceeding 65 MW. It has also completed 55 MW of projects for commercial, industrial, and ground-mounted solar installations. This success is driven by Ankit’s combination of engineering knowledge and strong entrepreneurial skills.
Turning Industry Experience into a Sustainable Mission
Ankit Garg, an IIT (ISM) Dhanbad alumnus and mining engineer, developed a deep understanding of the energy sector through his early work with industries reliant on fossil fuels. This experience revealed the unsustainability of traditional energy models and inspired him to pursue a cleaner future. “Renewable energy, especially solar, presented that perfect confluence of sustainability, scalability, and social impact,” he explains. Driven by this vision, Ankit founded Solarium Green Energy Limited in 2018 with the goal of making clean energy accessible and reliable for all.
Starting with a small solar panel manufacturing plant, the company aimed to prove that high-quality solar products could be made in India. Over time, Solarium expanded into turnkey EPC solutions, delivering comprehensive solar projects for residential, commercial, and industrial clients. By 2022, the company began participating in government tenders, further growing its reach.
Guided by the belief that renewable energy is both a responsibility and an opportunity, Solarium focuses on making solar adoption affordable and efficient. Ankit shares, “Personally, what drives me most is the visible transformation we bring to people’s lives.” Today, Solarium is one of India’s fastest-growing renewable energy firms, with a team of 205 and ₹178 crore in revenue for FY 2023–24. More than numbers, the company stands for creating a sustainable, trustworthy ecosystem and advancing India’s clean energy future.
Learning, Adapting, and Growing Through Challenges
Ankit Garg describes building Solarium Green Energy Limited as “not just an entrepreneurial journey – it was a deeply personal one, shaped by responsibility, uncertainty, and learning through experience rather than precedent.” Coming from a middle-class family without a business background, Ankit faced significant challenges when he decided to leave a stable job and start the company. With family responsibilities and no safety net, this required strong conviction and a major mindset shift.
Entering the renewable energy sector was new for him, especially the business side. The initial focus on solar panel manufacturing was bold, as the Indian market was dominated by imported panels, mainly from China. Despite no prior experience in manufacturing, Solarium committed to producing high-quality, reliable “Make in India” solar panels, building systems, and processes from scratch.
Financially, the company was bootstrapped using personal savings, with Ankit and co-founder Pankaj Gothi managing resources carefully. Attracting experienced talent was difficult, so they focused on growing organically by developing internal talent and fostering a culture of ownership. Navigating India’s growing renewable energy policies added further complexity, requiring adaptability.
The COVID-19 pandemic caused major disruptions, forcing the company to rethink operations and focus on survival. Ankit Garg reflects, “The most important lesson was the value of resilience and long-term thinking.” These challenges shaped Solarium’s strong focus on execution, financial discipline, and partnerships, as well as Ankit’s growth as a cautious yet purposeful leader.
Solarium Green Energy: By the Numbers
Financial Performance
- Revenue Growth: ₹178 Cr (FY 2023–24)
- Funding Model: Bootstrapped since 2018
Operational Scale
- Residential Installations: 20,000+ rooftops solarized
- Authorised Channel Partners: 500+
- Total Installed Capacity: 65+ MW (residential); 55+ MW (C&I & ground-mount)
- Geographic Reach: 7+ Indian states
- Team Strength: 500+ employees
Market Position
- Customer Base: 20,000+ residential clients across multiple states
- Key Strength: Quality, service, and post-installation support
- Market Segment: Leader in residential rooftop solar (B2C)
Corporate Milestone
- BSE Listed: Rare achievement for a bootstrapped renewable energy company
Innovation That Balances Scale, Profit, and Impact
At Solarium Green Energy Limited, innovation is deeply integrated into the company’s design, market approach, and sustainable growth. The company focuses on developing proprietary frameworks and operating models that set it apart in the competitive renewable energy sector while ensuring long-term profitability.
One of Solarium’s key innovations is in the challenging residential solar market. Installing small-scale solar systems in individual homes requires a unique strategy compared to large industrial projects. Its internally developed acquisition, execution, and service frameworks have enabled it to solarize over 20,000 homes, making Solarium one of India’s leaders in residential solar. Importantly, Ankit Garg notes, “Our residential business has been built with a profitability-first mindset,” balancing volume with operational and company-level profitability for sustainable growth.
A major innovation supporting market reach is the Solar Saathi program, which involves over 500 local entrepreneurs who identify customers and support installations, especially in rural and semi-urban areas. This creates a shared-growth ecosystem rather than a simple sales channel.
Solarium also emphasizes technology-driven innovation, collaborating with institutions like the National Institute of Solar Energy and Defence Research and Development Organisation on specialized projects such as space-heating shelters for the Indian Army. Additionally, it is developing cost-effective, radio-frequency–based monitoring systems to improve plant performance and customer satisfaction.
Ankit Garg explains, “Our innovation lies not in isolated products, but in how we integrate technology, profitability, distribution, and execution into cohesive operating models.” This approach allows Solarium to scale responsibly, enter complex markets, remain profitable, and deliver reliable renewable energy solutions.
Why Integration Matters in Long-Term Solar Solutions?
Solarium Green Energy Limited stands out as a fully integrated renewable energy company, combining solar panel manufacturing and system installation within the same organization. This integration allows complete control over quality and accountability, which is vital for solar assets expected to last 25 years or more.
For customers, this means a clear advantage: single-point responsibility. Since Solarium manufactures and installs the solar panels, customers avoid the common industry problem of being caught between manufacturers and contractors over warranties or service. Ankit Garg explains, “Customers know exactly who is responsible for the system throughout its lifecycle.”
Reliability is crucial because solar is a long-term investment, often funded from personal savings. Homeowners expect their systems to perform reliably, not just at installation but for decades. Solarium’s integrated model provides assurance through full accountability for performance, maintenance, and service.
This approach is especially important in the residential sector, where consumers may lack technical knowledge, and trust matters more than small price differences. Solarium applies the same engineering rigor used in complex projects for institutions like the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre and Indian Air Force to residential solar systems. Ankit emphasizes that residential customers receive “infrastructure-grade solutions, not consumer-grade compromises.”
Furthermore, the company’s long-term operations and maintenance support ensure customers have peace of mind throughout the plant’s life. Solarium’s unique combination of manufacturing, engineering, installation, and ongoing service builds trust and reliability, making it a leading choice in a competitive market.
Milestones That Mark Meaningful Growth
When Ankit Garg reflects on Solarium Green Energy Limited’s journey, the milestones he values most are both personal and organizational. One of his greatest achievements istransforming Solarium from a bootstrapped startup into a publicly listed company on the BSE. Coming from a middle-class background, saving from his job, and taking the risk to build a company without external funding made this accomplishment especially meaningful. He says, “Reaching a stage where the company is listed on the BSE is a moment of immense pride; not just as a business milestone, but as a validation of years of discipline, perseverance, and belief.”
From a business perspective, Ankit is proud of Solarium’s evolution from solely manufacturing solar panels to becoming a full-service renewable energy solutions provider. The company built new capabilities in engineering, design, procurement, project execution, and maintenance, enabling full control over project quality and performance.
A milestone close to his heart is Solarium’s strong presence in the residential solar market, which demands consumer trust and service quality. Starting in Gujarat and expanding to several states, Solarium has solarized several homes. “Our relationship does not end with installation; we are there for the long term,” he emphasizes, highlighting how customer trust drives growth through referrals and repeat business.
Ankit Garg also takes pride in the committed team and culture the company has built, where employees take true ownership. With a successful IPO, loyal customers, and a dedicated team, Ankit believes Solarium is well-prepared for its next growth phase. He concludes, “When values, execution, and long-term thinking come together, meaningful and sustainable growth follows.”
Collaborations That Strengthen Scale and Capability
Strategic partnerships have been essential in strengthening both the business and long-term impact of Solarium Green Energy Limited. From the beginning, the company has carefully chosen collaborations that bring technical expertise, credibility, and scalability rather than focusing on short-term profits.
A key partnership is with national research and defense institutions. Solarium has worked closely with the National Institute of Solar Energy and the Defence Research and Development Organisation on a specialized project to develop space-heating shelters for the Indian Army. This two-year collaboration has enhanced the company’s skills in advanced engineering and mission-critical renewable energy applications, pushing the boundaries beyond conventional uses.
On the technology front, Solarium partners with specialized firms to improve operations and maintenance. It is developing radio-frequency–based data loggers for remote monitoring, reducing costs while improving data accuracy. This enables proactive maintenance and better system performance, strengthening their O&M services.
The Solar Saathi program is another strategic partnership, where its entrepreneurs help expand Solarium’s reach in rural and semi-urban areas. This network accelerates residential solar adoption and creates shared economic value at the grassroots level.
Additionally, Solarium maintains strong relationships with component suppliers, financial institutions, and logistics partners to ensure supply stability and quality execution. Ankit notes, “Our partnerships amplify impact by combining knowledge, technology, and execution.” The company carefully evaluates growth opportunities that align with its philosophy of long-term value, profitability, and excellence, supporting India’s clean energy transition.
Leading the Shift Toward a Solar-Powered Future
The renewable energy sector in India and globally is at a crucial turning point, driven by technology, supportive policies, changing consumer habits, and the urgent need to combat climate change. Solarium Green Energy is strategically prepared to lead this transformation.
One major trend is the rapid growth of decentralized solar, especially rooftop systems for homes and businesses. Solarium offers quality solutions that bring energy independence and savings to families. Ankit Garg notes, “We bring the same quality and reliability found in large institutional projects to individual homeowners.”
Digital technologies are also shaping the future, with data analytics, IoT sensors, and AI improving efficiency and maintenance. Solarium has developed radio-frequency data loggers and proactive maintenance frameworks to enhance system performance and reduce costs.
In rural areas, Solarium’s Solar Saathi program empowers over 500 local entrepreneurs to expand solar access, creating shared value and supporting local economies.
Solarium’s integrated manufacturing and installation model ensures consistent quality and single-point accountability, addressing challenges of import dependence and warranty issues.
The company stays closely aligned with government policies to maximize benefits and adapt quickly to changes. Collaborations with institutions like the National Institute of Solar Energy and DRDO enable innovative projects such as space-heating shelters for the Indian Army.
Ankit Garg summarizes, “Renewable energy is no longer just an alternative; it’s the mainstream future of power.” Solarium’s focus on quality, technology, scalable models, and trust positions it to empower millions with reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy solutions.
The Values That Guide a Meaningful Leadership Journey
Ankit reflects that the strongest influence on his leadership has been the support of his family. He acknowledges that entrepreneurship is often celebrated for ambition and success, but rarely recognizes the sacrifices made by founders’ families. Long hours, uncertainty, financial risks, and emotional pressures affect them deeply. Ankit feels fortunate for the unwavering support of his wife, children, and family, stating, “Without family standing firmly behind you, it is very difficult to build anything meaningful.”
Professionally, Ankit Garg believes failures are the greatest teachers. He emphasizes that leadership is not about avoiding failure but recognizing mistakes early, correcting them decisively, and learning from them. Humility is essential to accept failures honestly and view them as opportunities to improve.
He also highlights the importance of working closely with teams. Ankit believes that no strategy succeeds without people and that leaders must listen, respect opinions, and foster a sense of ownership. “A company grows only when its people grow with it,” he says.
Innovation, although challenging and uncertain, is vital for differentiation and long-term value. Ankit stresses patience and discipline in executing new ideas. Continuous improvement and humility in learning from employees, customers, and partners are also key strengths.
He underscores the value of hard work, patience, and faith in overcoming challenges. Ankit concludes, “Be humble – to your family, your team, your customers, and everyone who becomes part of your journey. Success is never built alone.” These principles continue to guide him as a leader and entrepreneur.
Leading with Ownership, Integrity, and Long-Term Vision
Ankit’s leadership style is shaped more by experience than theory. Coming from a non-business background and building Solarium Green Energy Limited from scratch, he learned to lead with humility, clarity, and accountability. He describes his approach as principle-driven and focused on execution, with a strong emphasis on long-term thinking.
At the heart of his leadership philosophy is ownership. Ankit Garg believes that true innovation and sustainable growth come when people take responsibility for results, decisions, and processes. He encourages his teams to think like owners, considering the technical, financial, and ethical impacts of their work. This ownership culture promotes faster problem-solving and practical innovation.
Another key aspect is learning-led decision-making. Entering the renewable energy sector without prior experience, Ankit values continuous learning and adaptability. This mindset helps Solarium adopt new technologies and improve processes without rigidity or ego.
Integrity and transparency are non-negotiable for him. “Trust is everything,” he says, emphasizing quality over quick growth or price competition. Innovation, in his view, should focus on reliable, scalable solutions that improve efficiency and safety, aligned with customer needs.
Ankit Garg also stresses sustainability beyond environmental concerns, including financial and operational stability and strong teams. “As a founder, the standards you set – around ethics, work ethic, and accountability – define the organization more than any policy document,” he notes. His leadership is rooted in clarity, resilience, and long-term responsibility, where innovation and sustainability result from disciplined execution and strong values.
Open Letter to the Next Generation of Renewable Energy Leaders
Dear Future Leaders,
As you step into renewable energy – a sector shaping our present and future – approach it with patience and purpose. This is infrastructure built to last 25+ years, not quick wins. Master the fundamentals first: energy flows, system design, policies, and ground-level execution. Strong fundamentals and attention to detail build lasting credibility.
Prioritize quality and integrity above all. Trust from customers, investors, and society compounds over time; shortcuts erode it. Stay adaptable amid rapid policy shifts and tech advances; learn continuously from real-world challenges. Value people as much as technology: build collaborative teams, respect execution staff, and listen intently.
Above all, reconnect with our purpose – energy independence, environmental stewardship, and national progress. With honesty, resilience, and commitment, you’ll build enduring solutions. The sector needs thoughtful leaders like you.
Ankit Garg
Chairman & Managing Director, Solarium Green Energy Ltd.
5 Key Takeaways from Ankit Garg’s Impact on India’s Solar Journey
- Purpose-Driven Leadership Builds Strong Foundations: A clear mission to make clean energy reliable and accessible has guided every stage of growth, from startup days to becoming a listed company.
- Quality and Accountability Create Long-Term Trust: An integrated model that controls manufacturing, installation, and maintenance ensures reliability and builds lasting customer confidence.
- Resilience Turns Challenges into Strengths: Bootstrapping, policy shifts, and the COVID-19 crisis shaped a disciplined, execution-focused approach rooted in long-term thinking.
- Innovation Works Best When It Scales Sustainably: Smart operating models, technology adoption, and grassroots programs like Solar Saathi enable growth without sacrificing profitability.
- People, Values, and Humility Drive Real Impact: Strong teams, family support, integrity, and ownership culture prove that meaningful success is never built alone.
