How Quant Solar is Revolutionising India’s Renewable Energy Landscape

In 2016, naval architects Pankaj Kumar and Siddhant Agarwal charted a new course in India's renewable energy sector. Leaving high-profile offshore engineering careers behind, they returned from Singapore with a mission: to harness India's untapped water bodies for solar power. Thus was born Quant Solar Technologies, incubated at IIT Guwahati, driven by a simple yet transformative idea: float solar panels on water to conserve land and water while generating clean energy.

Solving India’s Dual Crisis: Land and Water

India’s clean energy transition faces two major hurdles: limited land and critical water shortages. Quant Solar’s floating photovoltaic (FSPV) systems offer a triple win—efficient green energy generation, reduced evaporation (by up to 70%), and zero land footprint. A 1 MW floating plant saves about 6 million litres of water annually, while delivering up to 10% more energy than land-based systems due to water's cooling effect.

Innovation Rooted in Indigenous Excellence

Quant Solar stands out by developing its floating platforms entirely in-house, engineered specifically for India’s climatic and aquatic diversity. Their patented systems boast a 25+ year lifespan, anti-skid surfaces, and robust anchoring. From design and manufacturing to installation and O&M, the company offers a turnkey solution tailored for scalability and resilience.

From Northeast Pilot to National Player

Starting with a 10 kW pilot in Assam, Quant Solar rapidly scaled to major projects like the 2 MW Vizag plant and a 36 MW installation for NTPC, India’s largest. 

Their portfolio now spans over 24 projects nationwide, covering states from Assam and Bihar to Maharashtra and Karnataka. Each installation not only delivers electricity but also saves vast quantities of water and land.

Engineering a Scalable, Sustainable Business

Quant Solar operates through two main revenue models: turnkey EPC projects and the sale of its proprietary floating systems to other developers. Their in-house manufacturing, currently at an annual capacity of 200 MW, is expanding to 300 MW, ensuring quality control and cost efficiency. The company emphasises lifecycle value, highlighting savings in water, maintenance, and extended panel life to offset marginal upfront costs.

Recognition and Global Standing

Quant Solar’s achievements have earned them accolades like the Nina Saxena Excellence in Technology Award and recognition in Industry Outlook’s Top 10 Renewable Energy Startups. They’re also part of the DNV-led global floating solar consortium, helping shape international standards. Media coverage from The Economic Times to The Better India has spotlighted their impact, and their founders were named in Solar Quarter’s “40 under 40.”

A Purpose-Driven Culture

Quant Solar’s team, primarily drawn from Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, exemplifies the startup’s commitment to purpose over pedigree. Their hiring philosophy values passion, adaptability, and grassroots understanding over traditional credentials. This approach, combined with strategic collaborations with leading IITs and a culture of hands-on innovation, has cultivated a nimble and impact-driven workforce.

The founders encourage aspiring entrepreneurs to start small, iterate quickly, and build on local insights. Their own journey stands as a powerful testament to the impact of perseverance, community-rooted innovation, and mission-focused leadership.

Charting the Future

Looking ahead, Quant Solar plans to deploy floating solar projects on large reservoirs in Odisha and Madhya Pradesh, scale exports to Asia and Africa, and develop hybrid systems combining solar with hydropower or aquaculture. Their ambition: to deploy 1 GW of floating solar by 2030, saving billions of litres of water and avoiding tens of millions of tons of CO2.