The REConnect Summit 2025 in Coimbatore featured a panel discussion on “Powering Tamil Nadu – Driving C&I and Rooftop Solar Growth.” The discussion revolved around expanding solar installations across commercial and industrial sectors, boosting renewable energy adoption. Balaaji CS, Founder and CEO of DIVINITAS Energy Consultants, noted that Tamil Nadu’s average demand is around 20,000 megawatt, with an installed capacity of solar and wind also at 20,000 megawatt. He added that the state evacuates 100 million units during peak wind season and 40 million units of solar energy.
RK Vinothan, Director/Technical (Retired) at Tamil Nadu Green Energy Corporation, mentioned that the installed capacity in Tamil Nadu is around 11,000 in solar, 11,000 in wind, and 25,000 including biomass and co-generation. He noted that investments are being made regularly in solar and wind energy, with around 5000 MW of solar and 1000 MW of wind projects in the pipeline. However, he questioned the infrastructure augmentation to meet the increase in solar generation, citing constraints related to transmission and distribution networks.
The discussion also highlighted the potential of rooftop solar, with only 1,200 MW of the 11,000 MW installed solar capacity in the state. Shivakumar Kurup, Domestic Business Head at Akvo Atmospheric Water System, introduced the concept of Atmospheric Water Generation (AWG), which creates clean drinking water from moisture in the air. Manesh Dani, Vice President – Sales and Marketing at SolarYaan, emphasized Tamil Nadu’s potential for renewable energy, particularly rooftop solar, and the importance of key components like solar panels, inverters, and cables.
Amal Nayak, President—Operations at Contendre Greenergy, discussed India’s solar manufacturing ecosystem, growth of renewable energy, and challenges created by government policies. Mahendra Bharaskar, Head of Business Development at Anand Ebeam Cables India, stressed the importance of using high-quality, standards-compliant cables in solar power plants, citing their critical role in system performance, safety, and reliability. Overall, the panel discussion emphasized the need for infrastructure augmentation, promotion of rooftop solar, and adoption of renewable energy to drive growth in Tamil Nadu’s commercial and industrial sectors.