Surat based SUMUL Dairy has commissioned 173 rooftop solar systems with a combined capacity of 2.9 MW across Village Dairy Cooperative Societies (DCSs) in Surat and Tapi districts, promoting clean energy and reducing electricity costs.
Supported by the Government of Gujarat, NDDB and Sustain Plus Energy Foundation (SPEF), the programme operates through an innovative interest-free loan model, allowing DCSs to repay the investment through savings on electricity bills.
The solar systems generate around 11,460 units of renewable electricity daily, supporting milk collection and chilling operations and enabling energy-efficient chilling of nearly 5.5 lakh litres of milk every day. Participating DCSs are expected to save nearly Rs 4.18 crore annually in electricity costs.
Arun Purohit, Managing Director of SUMUL Dairy, said the initiative demonstrates how renewable energy can strengthen the economic sustainability of rural dairy cooperatives while reducing their environmental footprint.
Encouraged by the success, SUMUL Dairy plans to expand the programme to DCSs equipped with Bulk Milk Coolers (BMCs), where electricity consumption is higher, further reducing operational costs and improving energy self-reliance.
