“India will become a leader in solar power in the years to come”

GP Tronics is a pioneer in the solar power domain and is poised to grow multiple times over with the prevailing opportunities. In addition to its existing factory, the company has added 1672sqm of manufacturing space that includes a semi-automatic plant with critical test equipment like the ICT from Japan to keep pace with the growing demand. In conversation with Electronics Bazaar, Saikat Roy Choudhury, executive director, GP Tronics, recounts the company’s journey

By Belal Khan

The beginning
GP Tronics Pvt Ltd (GPT) is a 37-year old company based in Kolkata and deals in power electronic products with a special focus on solar power equipment like inverters, MPPT chargers, data loggers, etc.
“One day, way back in 1976, the chief executive of a Japanese company was communicating with a Singapore based company regarding the submission of a tender of very high value and failed in his efforts due to a power cut. As we were working in the telecommunications sector, he asked us whether it would be possible to supply power from the telex exchange. This requirement really sparked off an idea in our minds—that an exchange runs on the battery and at the same time is being charged by the grid supply,” says Saikat Roy Choudhury, executive director, GP Tronics.

In 1978, this idea was converted into a product like the inverter for the first time in the country.
Headquartered in Kolkata from 1978, the company has several firsts to its credit. These include the manufacture of the first indigenous inverter in the country, in 1978; the manufacture, installation and commissioning of the first local solar inverters in the country in 1998 at Sagar Island and the manufacture of solar inverters for the first MW solar photovoltaic plant in India in August 2009, at Jamuria, Asansol.

Acquisition
In addition to a growing portfolio of solar inverters, solar pump inverters, online solar UPS systems, MPPT charge controllers, data loggers, etc, the group acquired a company primarily focused on solar technology and research, called Pulse Power Technologies. This acquisition in 1997 was followed by a joint venture with Advanced Energy Systems Pty, Australia, one of the global leaders in solar power electronics, to manufacture top-of-the-line solar inverters in India to cater to the local and global markets. Inverters manufactured at GP Tronics’ Salt Lake plant have been performing satisfactorily all across the world, including in discerning markets like USA and Europe.

Focus areas
The company has evolved in multiple areas today – it provides power to homes, shops, offices, etc, in unelectrified and electrified regions. It provides uninterrupted power to factories and offices, so that computers and machinery can continue operating smoothly in spite of sudden power cuts.

Priorities
The company aims to replace diesel gensets and reduce diesel imports. It plans to generate pure green solar power without effluents or carbon emissions in order to reduce global warming caused by the burning of fossil fuels.

Major engagements
The company is currently working for the project under following government initiatives.

• Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission
• National Mission on Sustainable Habitats
• National Mission for Green India
• National Mission on the Strategy For Climate Change

Key products
Listed below are some of the products the company is focused on:

• Off-grid and hybrid (mimic and LCD displays)
• Smart solar inverters (fully functional digital displays)
• Online solar UPS systems
• Solar pump inverters

“We like to concentrate on these particular areas, developing cost-competitiveness with high reliability. As the applications are mainly in the rural areas, both affordability and reliability are prime factors that need high attention,” says Choudhury.

Challenges and opportunities
Ensuring high reliability at a low cost is a big challenge but creates an opportunity for reliable product manufacturers who have a long track record of providing prompt after-sales service across the country. The company’s added capacity and channel partner network in most of the major cities for sales and after-sales service will have an important role in ensuring its fast growth.
“We are confident that our prime minister’s vision is likely to make India a leader in solar power in the years to come,” adds Choudhary.

Success story
GP Tronics started with a workshop space of just 32 square metres and currently, its manufacturing space is 1,672 square metres, apart from the old unit. It has additional space of about 2,790 square metres that can be used for expansion. This has been possible because of the company’s long-term plan for growth with innovation, through its own research and development efforts, while ensuring its after-sales service remains among the best in the country.

Major clients and projects

• Ramkrishna Mission
• Jagannath Temple, Puri
• WEBREDA School Projects
• Rooftop projects for West Bengal State Electricity Development Corporation Ltd
• IIT, Kanpur
• IIT Kharagpur, and many more