Orb Energy Marks 20 Years, Targets 1 GW Solar Capacity by 2030

Orb Energy has completed 20 years of operations in India, reporting approximately 450 MW of installed solar photovoltaic (PV) capacity, more than 175,000 systems and 95,000 customers served across the country. The company aims to exceed 1 GW of installed solar capacity by 2030, with a focus on rooftop solar solutions and financing for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs).

Founded in Bengaluru in 2006, Orb Energy initially focused on providing solar power to semi-urban and rural markets facing unreliable electricity supply. Over the years, the company expanded its operations into grid-connected rooftop solar, particularly for SMEs, as declining solar costs and the introduction of net-metering policies improved the viability of such installations.

According to JMK Research & Analytics, Orb Energy ranked among India’s top three rooftop solar companies in 2025. The company has also typically ranked among the country’s top five rooftop solar companies over the past six years, according to JMK Research & Analytics and CRISIL.

In 2017, Orb Energy established a solar panel manufacturing facility in Bengaluru. Its operations subsequently brought together manufacturing, system design, installation and after-sales service. The company also introduced an in-house solar financing facility to help SMEs adopt rooftop solar without collateral or an upfront down payment. Cumulative disbursements through this facility have reached nearly INR 350 crore.

The company has received institutional backing to support its operations and financing activities. In 2019, Shell acquired a 20 percent stake in Orb Energy. In 2022, the US International Development Finance Corporation extended a USD 20 million loan to support the company’s in-house credit facility for SMEs.

Commenting on the 20-years of operation, Damian Miller, CEO and Co-Founder of Orb Energy, said the company’s growth reflected the trust of its customers and the contributions of its employees and partners.

When Orb Energy began operations in 2006, solar panels cost around 40 times more than they do today, according to the company. At the time, solar power was largely used for off-grid applications, including remote electrification and backup power. The company initially developed a branch network to serve customers across South India, which at its peak comprised 170 branches in five states.

As grid-connected solar adoption increased, Orb Energy shifted its focus towards rooftop installations for SMEs. Its financing model was developed to address the upfront investment barriers faced by businesses seeking to adopt solar energy.

As it enters its third decade, the company plans to expand its installed solar capacity beyond 1 GW by 2030, continuing to focus on rooftop solar adoption among businesses.