India’s leading solar battery exporter, Eastman Auto & Power Ltd, is strengthening its footprint in the Middle East and Africa, offering affordable, reliable off-grid solar energy solutions to address chronic power shortages, high energy costs, and unreliable grids across the region.
The company is focusing on delivering rooftop and storage-based systems that can serve a broad spectrum of consumers — from rural homes and small businesses to entire off-grid communities.
Speaking to the media on the sidelines of Middle East Energy 2025 at the Dubai World Trade Centre, Managing Director Shekhar Singal said the region remains one of Eastman’s most strategic markets and aligns naturally with the company’s expertise.
“We are already present in the Middle East and Africa for more than 10 years, but now we are looking to further expand our presence,” he said.
“Much of this region faces challenges similar to those in India — frequent power cuts, expensive electricity, or areas where extending the grid is just not feasible. For such situations, our solar with battery storage offers a reliable and cost-effective solution. Whether it’s for basic backup, saving on bills, or powering an entire off-grid village, our systems are built to meet those needs.”
Tailored for real-world challenges
Eastman, which operates exclusively in the rooftop solar space up to 200 kW, distinguishes itself by offering end-to-end solar solutions — covering inverters, panels, and batteries under one roof.
While many global competitors specialize in a single component, Eastman’s integrated approach allows them to tailor complete systems that suit customer needs and budgets.
“What makes us unique is that our entire product portfolio is under one umbrella,” Singal explained.
“We don’t just manufacture a battery or an inverter — we design the whole system to work together. That way, our customers get a seamless experience from selection to installation. And importantly, we take a long-term view—our goal is not just to sell a product, but to ensure it performs reliably over decades.”
Built in India, ready for the world
According to Singal, Eastman’s technological edge comes from building products for one of the most demanding environments in the world—India.
“India is like a continent — it has deserts, mountains, coastal zones, humid forests. If a product performs well across all these extremes, it’s ready for any market,” he said.
“Our inverters and batteries work from -20°C to +60°C. They can handle voltage fluctuations, poor wiring, and even user mishandling. That’s why our systems are especially suited for regions like Africa or the Middle East, where the grid is unstable or user training may be limited.”
Sustainability at the core
Eastman’s entire business model revolves around sustainable energy—across both electric mobility and solar verticals. The company not only manufactures green products but also implements sustainable practices within its operations.
“Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword for us. It’s built into our DNA,” Singal said.
“In India, we’re active in the EV sector, and globally, we focus on solar. Every product we make supports either green kilometers or clean energy generation. But we also ensure our manufacturing practices are sustainable—our impact on the environment is minimal. That’s what makes our mission stronger.”
Affordability
Affordability remains a key driver of solar adoption, and Eastman tailors its value proposition based on regional needs. In emerging markets like Africa, where many people still depend on diesel generators, solar becomes an instantly cost-saving alternative.
“In many parts of Africa, people pay $0.40 per kilowatt-hour for diesel—solar cuts that down drastically. The payback is often less than a year,” Singal said.
“In developed countries like the UK, people are switching because electricity has become expensive due to global factors like the Russia-Ukraine war. And there’s better financing, so they’re able to install solar without big upfront costs. Solar makes financial sense everywhere—you just have to see it through the right lens.”
Local partnerships
While Eastman’s production and global tech support are based in India, the company relies on trusted local distributors to manage inventory, installations, and customer support in each country.
“We work closely with our partners in every market. They know the local terrain, while we focus on making the best products,” he said.
“Thanks to our high production volumes, we have economies of scale that allow us to reduce costs and make our systems more accessible. And our systems come with Wi-Fi-based monitoring, so we can provide remote support—often resolving issues without a technician ever needing to visit the site.”
Future plans
Looking ahead, Eastman is gearing up to launch new technology specifically for markets like the US, where the grid operates on different voltage systems. The company is also exploring next-generation battery chemistries to extend lifespan and reduce costs.
“We’re working on a 110V product line to serve the American market more effectively,” Singal revealed.
“We’re also looking at sodium-ion and solid-state batteries, which can potentially offer better durability and affordability. Our goal is to offer batteries with warranties of 10 to 20 years. If someone installs a system today, they shouldn’t have to think about replacements for decades.”
While Eastman has a significant share — over 30% — of Indian-origin solar product exports to the Middle East and Africa, its market strategy is sharply focused.
“In Africa, we see all 54 countries as potential markets. Many are in urgent need of off-grid power. In the Middle East, we’re more selective,” he said.
“Countries with high electricity subsidies like Saudi Arabia may not see immediate adoption, but others with power deficits or minimal subsidies are perfect fits. We go where our solutions can truly make a difference,” he concluded.
tanvir@dubainewsweek.com
