Women-led startups Freyr Energy and Zircle are driving a major shift toward solar energy adoption in Kerala, making clean power accessible to thousands of households across the state. Through innovative approaches and a commitment to sustainability, they are making a significant contribution to Kerala’s renewable energy goals.
Freyr Energy leading solar adoption in Kerala
Freyr Energy, co-founded by Radhika Choudary, has a mission to solarize 2,000 homes in Kerala by the end of the year. This Hyderabad-based startup has rapidly emerged as a key player in India’s rooftop solar market and now holds one of the largest portfolios in the country. By focusing on residential customers as well as MSMEs and commercial buildings, the Freyr Energy company is making solar energy both accessible and affordable.
The company’s proprietary SunPro+ App simplifies every step of the solar adoption process. Users can effortlessly assess their energy needs, receive instant quotations, and secure financing directly through the app. Innovative financial solutions, including zero-cost EMI options, help eliminate the upfront cost barrier, encouraging more consumers to embrace solar energy.
With its high levels of environmental awareness and abundant sunlight, Kerala is an ideal market for Freyr Energy’s initiatives. Although the state has over one crore households, fewer than two lakh have installed solar panels, indicating substantial potential for growth.
Currently, Kerala has 71,050 solar consumers contributing to a capacity of 415.35 MW—a figure showcasing impressive progress between Q2 2022 and Q2 2023. In the first quarter of 2023, the state accounted for 10% of national solar power generation, while solar energy made up around 10% of its total electricity output. Plans are now underway to achieve a total generation of 1,000 MW from solar sources by 2027, an effort that aligns with Kerala’s ambitious policies to reduce carbon emissions and enhance energy security.
Zircle simplifying the clean energy transition
Zircle, founded by Thodupuzha-native Selna Saji, is also helping lead the solar energy transition in Kerala. The startup simplifies the move to clean energy by offering a curated catalog of trusted installers from across India, providing consumers with tailored quotes and recommendations based on their specific needs.
Zircle’s educational resources and interactive tools empower consumers to make informed decisions about their solar investments. This customer-centric approach is particularly well-suited for Kerala, where high literacy rates and environmental awareness drive demand for sustainable energy solutions.
By bridging the gap between consumers and service providers, Zircle is fostering a more transparent and efficient solar energy market. The company has already expanded beyond Kerala, establishing a presence in Karnataka and five other cities through partnerships with leading solar companies. Future plans include enhancing its digital platform for an even better customer experience and exploring new markets, as Zircle remains committed to ensuring widespread access to clean energy.
Kerala’s move toward renewable energy leadership
The rapid growth of solar energy in Kerala highlights the state’s dedication to sustainability. An 18% increase in rooftop solar capacity between Q2 2022 and Q2 2023 shows that Kerala is making significant progress toward its goal of meeting 50% of its energy needs from renewable sources by 2027.
The combined efforts of startups like Freyr Energy and Zircle are pivotal to realizing this vision, contributing over 1,000 MW to the state’s renewable energy capacity.
In transforming Kerala’s energy landscape, these women-led enterprises are also setting a powerful precedent for other regions in India and beyond. Their success stories show the critical role that innovation, entrepreneurship, and inclusive leadership play in accelerating the transition to sustainable energy. The active participation of women entrepreneurs in the renewable sector also promotes inclusive growth, empowers local communities, and creates new economic opportunities.
Supporting Kerala’s sustainable energy future
Kerala’s government supports the contributions of startups like Freyr Energy and Zircle through various incentives and programs. Subsidies for solar installations, tax benefits, and streamlined regulatory processes encourage greater participation from both businesses and consumers in the state’s solar energy initiatives.
The ongoing success of these startups is expected to inspire more entrepreneurs to venture into the renewable energy sector, further accelerating India’s shift toward a low-carbon economy.
As these companies continue to innovate and expand their impact, they are poised to play a central role in shaping a sustainable and environmentally responsible energy future for Kerala and the nation at large.
