Orb Energy Awarded $1 Million for Solar Solutions in India

April 8, 2008
Source: Clean Edge News

Orb Energy, a provider of solar energy systems in India, announced that it had received a prestigious award for $1 million dollars (USD) from the US State Department in support of the goals of the Asia-Pacific Partnership on Clean Development and Climate (APP).

The APP is an innovative new effort to accelerate the development and deployment of clean energy technologies. APP partners Australia, Canada, China, India, Japan, Republic of Korea, and the United States have agreed to work together and with private sector partners to meet goals for energy security, national air pollution reduction, and climate change in ways that promote sustainable economic growth and poverty reduction.

The use of solar energy offers huge potential for climate protection. The production of solar photovoltaic cells has expanded dramatically in recent years - increasing by an average of 48 percent each year from 2002 - to become one of the world's fastest growing technologies. To foster this market in India, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy recently announced higher feed-in tariffs for large-scale solar power plants.

"We are honoured to have been selected for this prestigious award from the US State Department, and thank the Asia-Pacific Partnership for its confidence in us. The award will enhance our ability to serve the growing number of customers in India who are turning to solar as a reliable, cost-effective source of energy", said Damian Miller, CEO of Orb Energy.

Orb has already built a strong presence in India. In just over one year, the company has established 30 branches throughout the state of Karnataka. By the end of the year it is targeting 60-70 branches. At an Orb Energy branch, customers can purchase solar photovoltaic systems for back up power, solar thermal systems for hot water, and a range of solar lighting solutions. Orb also helps customers arrange a loan and provides long-term service.

The APP award will assist with the development of Orb's franchise partners who manage and operate its branch network. Orb will also use the award to execute in-country assembly of Swiss-designed inverters, and to enter India's newly emerging grid-connected market for solar.

The U.S. Department of State Asia-Pacific Partnership Program Manager, Griffin Thompson, said, "The APP is committed to helping innovative companies bring their clean energy solutions to market. Orb is exactly the kind of company the APP was designed to support - innovative, expansive, and highly focused in its mission."