Sneha Iyer
MAYANK VATS
Mohit Sultania
Pranav Gaganan
Tanishaa Rout
Goa Institute of Management
Divya Singhal
Keep this story going! Share below!
Sahaj Solar is revolutionizing access to clean energy and water in rural India, transforming lives and addressing critical global challenges. By installing solar-powered pumps and replacing polluting diesel systems, the company empowers underserved communities to secure stable incomes, reduce carbon emissions, and adopt sustainable farming practices. Through its innovative solutions, Sahaj Solar actively contributes to UN SDGs such as Affordable and Clean Energy (SDG 7), Clean Water and Sanitation (SDG 6), Zero Hunger (SDG 2), and Climate Action (SDG 13), while fostering economic growth and partnerships for a sustainable future.
Sahaj Solar is revolutionizing access to clean energy and water in rural India, transforming lives and addressing critical global challenges. By installing solar-powered pumps and replacing polluting diesel systems, the company empowers underserved communities to secure stable incomes, reduce carbon emissions, and adopt sustainable farming practices. Through its innovative solutions, Sahaj Solar actively contributes to UN SDGs such as Affordable and Clean Energy (SDG 7), Clean Water and Sanitation (SDG 6), Zero Hunger (SDG 2), and Climate Action (SDG 13), while fostering economic growth and partnerships for a sustainable future.
Installation of Solar Panels at various sites by Sahaj Solar
Pramit Brahmbhatt, the CEO of Saha Solar Limited, explained that the company’s innovations were inspired by a mission to make solar energy accessible and affordable for underserved communities. He stated, “Our objective is to make solar cheaper and affordable for the end user, specifically people coming from very remote and deprived areas where energy is still a luxury.” This vision guides their efforts to provide renewable energy solutions that reduce reliance on traditional grid power and fossil fuels.
Brahmbhatt highlighted a notable project in Baripada, Maharashtra, where Saha Solar implemented solar water pumps for tribal farmers who face challenges such as limited water access and reliance on deforestation for livelihood. These systems helped farmers irrigate their fields, doubling incomes and expanding cultivated land from 150 to 400 hectares. He remarked, “By making water accessible, we enabled these farmers to transition from chopping trees to sustainable agriculture.”
Environmental stewardship is a significant motivator for Saha Solar. The company is setting up a solar panel recycling plant to repurpose end-of-life panels sustainably, aligning with circular economy principles. Brahmbhatt stated, “We work not just at the sourcing stage but also at the lifecycle’s end to reduce waste and enhance sustainability.”
Collaboration also plays a key role, with partnerships established to integrate advanced technologies and promote awareness of solar energy’s benefits.
Brahmbhatt’s guiding philosophy is giving back to society. He concluded, “It’s not about what you earn, but what you give back,” emphasizing their commitment to meaningful and sustainable impact.
Sahaj Solar’s innovations have transformed lives and landscapes. In Baripada, barren fields are now thriving farms, bringing income security to smallholder farmers. Women, freed from arduous journeys for water, have regained precious time for family and livelihood.
The ripple effects extend to climate impact, with solar-powered solutions replacing diesel systems, reducing carbon emissions, and promoting sustainable agriculture. Across India, Sahaj Solar installs 5,000–6,000 solar pumps annually, touching countless lives.
“When you see a community thrive because of something you’ve built, that’s the ultimate reward,” Mr. Brahmbhatt reflects.
Sahaj Solar’s implementation of the shared solar water pumping model and solar trolleys has significantly expanded its market reach among rural and tribal communities. The shared solar pump model boosted agricultural productivity, allowing the company to attract CSR funding and forge partnerships with organizations investing in sustainable rural development. These innovations have not only enhanced Sahaj Solar’s brand equity but also drawn international clients seeking renewable energy solutions with measurable social impact.
Internally, the innovations have strengthened employee morale and loyalty. The company’s investments in sustainability resonate with its workforce, who see their work contributing to a larger mission. Moreover, Sahaj Solar’s innovations have diversified its revenue streams by addressing niche markets, from farmers to eco-conscious industrial clients. The reduction in carbon emissions and reliance on diesel-based alternatives has further solidified Sahaj Solar’s position as a leader in renewable energy solutions, driving both environmental impact and long-term business growth.
Sahaj Solar Limited, under the leadership of Pramit Brahmbhatt, demonstrates how innovation benefits the environment and society through sustainable and affordable solar energy solutions. The company focuses on addressing environmental challenges while improving the livelihoods of underserved communities.
One significant example is their project in Baripada, Maharashtra, where tribal farmers struggled due to limited water access and reliance on deforestation for livelihood. In 2017-18, Sahaj Solar introduced solar-powered water pumps to these regions, enabling farmers to irrigate their fields and transition to sustainable agriculture. This initiative expanded cultivated land from 150 to 400 hectares, doubling the farmers’ incomes. Brahmbhatt explained, “By making water accessible, we enabled these farmers to transition from chopping trees to sustainable agriculture.” This not only reduced deforestation but also fostered economic self-reliance.
On the environmental front, Sahaj Solar integrates circular economy principles by planning a solar panel recycling plant. This ensures end-of-life panels are repurposed sustainably, reducing waste and supporting resource efficiency. Brahmbhatt emphasized, “We work not just at the sourcing stage but also at the lifecycle’s end to enhance sustainability.”Sahaj Solar actively promotes biodiversity and ecosystem protection by installing standalone solar systems in remote areas, eliminating the need for disruptive power lines in forests and habitats. Its innovations, such as solar-powered farming equipment like de-husking machines, empower rural communities by reducing costs and boosting productivity.
Through technology, education, and collaboration, Sahaj Solar delivers renewable energy solutions that lower carbon footprints while uplifting marginalized communities, showcasing how innovation can create meaningful benefits for both society and the environment.
Get stories of positive business innovations from around the world delivered right to your inbox.
Sahaj specializes in planning and developing photovoltaic (PV) solar power plants of varying sizes for clients and investors. Their comprehensive services include conducting initial economic feasibility assessments, identifying optimal locations, securing land titles, obtaining all necessary permits, and managing feed-in tariffs or Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) with energy off-takers. The outcome is a high-performance solar PV power plant designed to deliver a short amortization period and a compelling return on investment.
