India is gifted with 300 sunny days and Goa, 285 with 3-4 sun peak hours. Goa’s moderate climate and bright sunshine availability for almost 8 to 9 months in a year makes it an ideal State to start producing solar energy and be self-sufficient. Currently the State entirely depends on thermal energy that too purchased from other States. Goa requires around 500 megawatts of electricity. Being a small and an eco-sensitive State, producing thermal energy is not feasible here. But in order to be self-sustained in power generation, solar energy is the best option. “Why not make use of this free gift – sunlight and transform it into solar energy,” asks Dilip Nayak, a first generation entrepreneur who has ventured into solar as well as other businesses since 2013 under his umbrella group of companies – Rainbow.
“Solar energy is the most secure of all energy sources, is abundantly and freely available,” he reasons, adding, “It’s easy to convert it into electrical energy.” He points out that taking into consideration these factors and Goa being the land of ample sunshine, land developers and builders are opting for solar power. Individual buildings as well as large housing complexes are installing solar panels on their rooftops so that heaters, garden lights, street lights etc can run on solar energy.
“Cashing on this new phenomenon in the construction industry we too decided to venture into solar power solutions,” says Dilip, managing director, Rainbow Group that deals with a range of products and services. Pointing out that the challenge before the Goa government is not only to meet the ever growing demand for power but also to progressively increase the share of renewable sources in the energy – mix so as to achieve overall energy security and also to meet the Renewable Purchase Obligation (RPO) as per the target fixed by the appropriate authorities from time to time. Dilip feels that this can be done by systematically tapping of the solar energy potential to the maximum.
Having had 26 years of experience in the ship building and marine engineering, working at various levels in production, project planning and materials management in corporate sector, this alumnus of ISBT Goa (1986) decided to call it a day and settle in his home state Goa and kick start Rainbow Group. Dilip has under his belt a diverse experience of working in multinationals like GSL, Bharati, L & T, ABG and Dempo Group which came handy when he kick-started his own enterprise.
Sharing his mission of promoting a green revolution with a commitment to serve natural resources wherein one can generate electricity through the infinite and free resource, the sunlight, without creating any of the by-products that could pollute the planet earth, Dilip also wants to bring about energy saving and convenience with world class IOT based automation. “Our vision is to participate to create a world without fossil fuels and play our proactive part in such an ongoing transition to deliver cost effective utility scale solar power through our cohesive mission, quality products and services at competitive prices,” he states.
Rainbow Group operates as a conglomerate of four entities – Rainbow Enterprises, Rainbow Solar Power Solutions and Automation, Rainbow Engineering and Rainbow Entertainment. Of this, Rainbow Enterprises deals with the sales and service of home appliances like refrigerators, washing machines, LED TV sets, air conditioners, microwave ovens and deep freezers in brands like LG, Samsung, Godrej, Philips, Lloyd and Videocon along with complete installation service at homes, offices and hospitality industry. Rainbow Enterprises is also the franchisee for Green Dust for the sales and distribution of factory seconds refurbished multi branded home appliances offering a discount up to 30 percent on MRP. “Over 1000 satisfied customers can vouch for our satisfactory services,” boasts Dilip.
Under the umbrella group, he also owns a sales and service franchisee for Café Desire which manufactures vending machines for a wide range of beverages. Dilip has recently ventured into health products too and is the importer and distributor of Moolmang Vita-Fresh Shower Filters. This product enriches a refreshing shower with Vitamin C (that de-chlorinates water, facilitates to fight hair fall and maintain a glowing skin). This product is widely in use in star hotels and resorts and is preferred by health-conscious individuals. “Our product can transform a bathroom into a wellness room,” smiles Dilip who currently operates from two locations in Margao.
The other entity, Rainbow Solar Power Solutions and Automations, offers comprehensive solar power on-grid as well as off-grid systems. “We design, install and commission to the required needs of the customers in terms of wattage for solar power generation and can also support additional system for energy saving through automation. The above systems are tailor made and customized using various Indian made PV solar panels, inverters, batteries and other accessories,” briefs Dilip who is the distributor in Goa for brands like Supreme. Solar Water Heater Tanks ranging from 100 LPD to 1000LPD (ETC as well as FPC), using State of Art Technology at their Bangalore Plant.
“We are distributors for Indian made PV panels manufactured by Akshay Solar, Vikram and Navitas. Also we are channel partners and joint collaborators with Build Track – a leader in smart automation and internet of things solutions for homes, enterprises, hotels, hospitals, senior living and warehouses for energy saving, automation products, services and systems for complete designing, installation and commissioning of the project,” he shares.
Dilip offers solutions for energy efficiency that enable zero energy wastage. The unique Integrated Building Management System (IBMS) he offers enables productive management of residential and commercial complexes. These solutions can be deployed in wireless, wired or hybrid connectivity to suit new construction and existing spaces with the best range, reliability, economy and with the least disruption to the customers during deployment. He takes pride in sharing that his products are designed, developed and made in India carrying CE and IEC safety certifications and that his company offers affordable solutions to some of the largest builders, corporations and public institutions in India – this includes solar street lights, garden lights, home gate lights too.
Supreme Solar is one of the biggest Solar water heater manufacturing brand that emphasises more on research and development to evolve better quality products which have a market in 58 countries including India. High quality PUF /fibre glass material is used for the insulation which keeps the water heated inside the inner tank for 48 hours. The system has a robust MS structure powder coated to avoid corrosion.
“In order to decide for going solar, one needs to do six things before installing the solar power,” suggests Dilip. One has to reduce the usage and increase the efficiency and check how much space is available for installation. One also has to be prepared for servicing and maintenance apart from having airy space for UPS and batteries. “We have to measure how much electricity is required and consumed every day and to get that how much we are willing to pay for the sun. It’s time we shift our sources of energy requirements from manmade to nature gifted.
