Envision a world where limited space isn’t a barrier to energy generation. Shani Pandya’s vertical solar trees revolutionise this concept, requiring minimal land.
Mimicking real trees, these sleek structures with up to 45 modules per pole can deliver 20 kilowatts, powering six Indian households daily.
“By reducing the land requirement from 2,200 square feet to just two square feet, these solar trees optimise urban space for power generation,” says the 30-year-old.
Over 150 solar trees have been installed across various Indian cities, with notable implementations in Gandhinagar Smart City to manage street lighting.
Beyond solar trees, he offers solar-enabled building features like claddings, facades, and solar gazebos, broadening access to solar energy in urban settings.
Shani’s solar tiles, crafted from single-use plastic waste, offer sustainability by reducing plastic waste while providing energy solutions.
Shani’s journey to these innovative miracles has been fraught with challenges. To manage funds, he had to break mutual funds and even mortgage his house.
Despite these hurdles, his startup continues to grow. Last year, he had a turnover of Rs 7 crore and projects sales to close at Rs 13 crore this year.
Shani’s innovative contributions have led to national recognition, including a meeting with PM Narendra Modi.
“When my family saw me with the Prime Minister, they had tears in their eyes. PM Modi praised our innovation, which was a monumental moment for our team,” shares Shani.