Startup Originals Team
In 2017, Kuldip Sorathiya faced a crossroads. Hailing from a farming family in Gujarat’s Kolda village, he was burdened with ₹17 lakh in family debt and had just seen his dream of studying in Canada collapse after being denied an education loan due to the absence of IT returns. But where one door closed, another opened. With just ₹15,000 in savings, Kuldip launched Ksquare Energy from a 150 sq. ft. rented room in Ahmedabad. That small bet has since grown into one of India’s most dynamic solar companies, serving over 8,000 households, supplying to more than 650 EPC firms, and ranking among the top 10 vendors under the PM Surya Ghar Yojana.
A Vision Transformed into a Solar Powerhouse:
Ksquare Energy’s journey began as a commission agent, selling third-party solar products. However, Kuldip quickly realized that the real value lay in controlling product quality and customer experience. Guided by consistent feedback and recurring field issues, he transitioned into manufacturing key solar components such as ACDBs, DCDBs, SCBs, MCBs, and cables. This shift allowed Ksquare to ensure superior quality and reliability in its offerings.
Dual Business Model: EPC Services and In-House Manufacturing:
Today, Ksquare Energy operates with a team of 130 members and has a footprint across 23 states. The company has completed more than 8,000 rooftop solar installations and supplies 700 to 800 components to over 650 EPC partners. Operating out of warehouses in Ahmedabad, Pune, Lucknow, and Bengaluru, Ksquare is ranked among the top 10 vendors under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana.
The company’s dual-pronged business model includes:
- EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) Services: Providing end-to-end solar solutions for residential and commercial clients.
- In-House Manufacturing: Producing high-quality solar components, ensuring control over quality, delivery, and product innovation.
Solsquare: Innovation in Solar Components:
Recognizing quality issues in third-party solar cables, Ksquare launched Solsquare, its proprietary brand of solar and electrical cables. Solsquare cables are known for superior insulation and compliance, ensuring enhanced performance and safety. Housed in a 4,500 sq. ft. manufacturing and R&D facility, Ksquare also produces modular DCDBs and IoT-ready combiner boxes. The company follows ISO standards and ensures CE and RoHS certification across its entire product range, with each unit tested for voltage stability, thermal resistance, and load capacity before dispatch.
Technology-Driven Operations:
Technology plays a critical role in Ksquare’s operations. The company has embedded ERP-linked CRM systems for lead tracking and order management. On the manufacturing side, semi-automated processes ensure efficiency and consistency. This integration of technology allows Ksquare to streamline operations, reduce lead times, and enhance customer satisfaction.
Empowering Rural and Semi-Urban India:
Ksquare Energy’s focus on rural and semi-urban homeowners has been instrumental in promoting solar energy adoption in underserved regions. By offering affordable and reliable rooftop systems, Ksquare has empowered thousands of households to harness solar energy, reducing their electricity bills and contributing to a greener environment.
A Model of Bootstrapped Success:
Ksquare Energy’s growth from a ₹15,000 investment to a ₹74 crore revenue in 2023 is a testament to the power of bootstrapped entrepreneurship. The company’s success story serves as an inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs, demonstrating that with determination, innovation, and a customer-centric approach, significant impact can be achieved without external funding.
