We are Mulling to Further Increase Our Installation Capacity: Imaan Javan

We are looking forward for the instalment of another 2 MW by the end of this year and 5 MW by 2020. To facilitate this, we are recruiting more sales personnel, engineers and business developers. The future looks bright for solar industry, as new technologies are coming in this sector. From bio-solar cells, energy harvesting trees, micro-grid technologies, water nest, floating panels to transmission of power from space, seems to be quite a plus point for us, says Imaan Javan, Director, Suntuity Renewable Energy India, which is a part of a renewable energy conglomerate Suntuity Group. In conversation with Manu Tayal, Associate Editor, Saur Energy International, Javan shared her views on various topics including her company’s achievements, future plans, opportunity for women in the clean energy space etc. Here’re the excerpts from that exclusive interview published in the Saur Energy International Magazine’s November 2019 edition:

Q. How has the journey been for Suntuity REI and how do you see the progress hereon?

In the past, Suntuity REI has delivered some of the highest efficiency solar energy solutions for various off-takers in South India. We recently completed the largest solar installation on an educational institution in Mumbai and have several more such projects in our pipeline.

Suntuity will provide innovative financed solar solutions catering to the changing demands of the Indian market. Our work ethics has helped us gain the trust of hundreds of clients. We have a vision for Suntuity REI to join the ranks of Fortune 500 companies and we work every day in that direction.

Q. According to you, what are the factors that will help in achieving India’s 100 GW solar target? How important is the role of solar rooftop sector in this journey?

Our goal is to be one of the main contributors to the country’s attainable renewable energy targets that will help both slow climate change and drive healthier living and economic conditions for our citizens.

We anticipate a significant increase in solar adoption and a sense of urgency and responsibility to take action as a result of the proposed target and the impending threats of climate change. As one of the key players in the industry, we continue to contribute towards making renewable energy both financially viable and available. Suntuity Foundation which is the non-profit branch of the Suntuity Group of companies provides impoverished countries with the help they need to produce self-sustainable energy.

Q. What differentiates Suntuity from its peers?

At Suntuity REI we are driven by prioritizing the mantra “People, Planet, Profits”, which is a great way to align ourselves with our morals and values. Everything we do helps build a brighter future for tomorrow while building on our past– our goal is to drive success, profit is a side effect of success and not our prime focus. This has helped us grow rapidly and sets us apart from our competitors that are often primarily motivated by profit.

Q. What are Suntuity REI’s expansion plans?

We are looking forward for instalment of another 2 MW by the end of this year and 5 MW by 2020. To facilitate this, we are recruiting more sales personnel, engineers and business developers. The future looks bright for solar industry, as new technologies are coming in this sector. From bio-solar cells, energy harvesting trees, micro-grid technologies, water nest, floating panels to transmission of power from space, seems to be quite a plus point for us. Suntuity REI is part of a renewable energy conglomerate that has developed and installed over 250 megawatts of solar energy worldwide and has plans to both increase its installation capacity and deliver breakthrough solutions such as battery storage and water generation through its fully financed renewable energy solutions.

Q. Your personal story is inspiring: Overcoming Dyslexia to achieving what you have. What was your motivation?

While I was growing up, it was very painful to see all other kids excel in everything they did at half their potential while the same thing for me was a big task. Challenging myself to achieve the small goals I set each day, helped me understand that I had the potential to overcome dyslexia. Dyslexia counselling helped me study better and frame sentences well. I wanted to be one of the top students in my class and I worked smartly to achieve that. Growing up in a boarding school and working independently helped me realize my potential and I made my weakness my strength.

Q. What kind of opportunities do you see specifically for women in the solar/renewable industry?

IRENA online gender survey, 2018; put women’s share of renewable energy workforce at 32 percent. Perceptions of what women can or should be expected to do, and what they can accomplish, are deeply embedded in society. It is a slow process to change these views along with the structures that sustains them. But times have changed; studies have proved that companies with higher percentages of female decision makers financially out-perform their industry peers.

Many steps are being taken to advance the role and recognition of women in the renewable energy sector by offering mentoring, raising awareness and integrating gender perspectives in energy access programmes. Active participation of women would in turn contribute to the accomplishment of global sustainable development goals.