Off Grid Solar System Non-Profit Supplier Orb Energy of India gets Funding to Expand

Orb Energy a non-profit supplier of off grid solar systems in Southern India has got a million dollars in additional funding from Acumen Fund.Orb Energy supplies solar systems to both residential and commercial customers in 4 states in India Kerala,Maharashtra,Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.It is headquartered in Bangalore and received initial funding from Zouk Ventures.Acumen Fund invests in socially relevant enterprises and has also invested in D.Light which is one of the major producers of LED Solar Lanterns in India.Note Orb Energy in its websites says that it sells around 1000 systems a month and plans to double the size of its operations by increasing the number of branches,employees.Orb plans to double its branches and employees in the next two years, reaching 250,000 people.Solar System is a massive opportunity as Solar Power in India is set to grow exponentially in the coming years.Note Orb Energy is a system installer and does not manufacture solar panels in India.

Orb Energy is targeting both residential customers and commercial establishments like healthcare,retail and security.It is not only selling solar panel systems but also solar heaters and solar lights.The company is more of a solar solution provider rather than a solar product seller which is a good strategy.The company is providing free 1 year after sales service with 3 free visits again a good move given the poor track record of service providers in India.

Orb Energy, Acumen Fund Announce Partnership to Address Energy Needs for Millions in India without Electricity

Orb Energy Pte Ltd. (Orb), one of India’s leading providers of solar energy systems, and Acumen Fund, a nonprofit global venture firm addressing poverty in South Asia and East Africa, today announced a partnership to address energy needs for millions of Indians without reliable electricity. Acumen Fund is making a significant equity investment to help Orb extend its household lighting systems to more rural customers, to scale its manufacturing, and to develop innovative products to meet the needs of its low income customers.