Is Off-Site Solar the Right Choice for Your Business?

29-Aug-2025 / by Enernew

Comparison of Captive and Third-Party PPAS

📑 Table of Contents

Types of Solar Energy Solutions

The demand for solar energy in India’s commercial and industrial sectors is accelerating. In FY 2024‑25, India added a record 23.8 GW of solar capacity, including 16.9 GW from ground-mounted projects and 5.15 GW of rooftop systems, bringing the nation’s cumulative solar capacity to over 106 GW. This surge reflects rising energy costs, ambitious sustainability targets, and the need for operational stability. As a result, more businesses are actively exploring renewable energy solutions. However, not every business has rooftop space, infrastructure, or regulatory flexibility to support on-site solar installations.

This is where off-site solar emerges as a practical alternative. It allows businesses to access clean, affordable energy without investing in or maintaining solar infrastructure in their own space. Especially in solar-rich regions like Rajasthan, off-site models are becoming increasingly viable, supported by infrastructure such as Enernew’s 50 MW solar plant in Bikaner, which enables seamless access to renewable power for commercial and industrial users.

What is Off-Site Solar?

Off-site solar refers to a system where solar energy is generated at a remote location and delivered to a consumer’s space via the utility grid.

There are typically two models used for such setups:

Open Access Solar: Businesses purchase power directly from a solar developer located in another area, often under a long-term agreement.

Group Captive Solar: Multiple users collectively invest in a solar project and share the generated power in proportion to their ownership.

Unlike rooftop or ground-mounted systems that require space and construction at the user’s site, off-site solar avoids those challenges entirely. Enernew enables this through its solar plant in Bikaner, offering seamless access to clean energy for commercial and industrial consumers.

Key Benefits of Off-Site Solar for Businesses

In recent years, off-site solar adoption among commercial and industrial (C&I) users has grown rapidly. Industry reports indicate that over 60% of new C&I solar capacity additions in 2023 were through open access and group captive models.

Businesses are increasingly choosing these options to access renewable energy at scale, reduce long-term costs by 50%, and avoid on-site disruptions, making off-site solar one of the most strategic energy decisions today. Enernew, with its dedicated solar plant in Bikaner, is helping companies across industries tap into these advantages with ease and efficiency.

Cost Savings

Off-site solar power is often more affordable than electricity from the grid, especially for commercial and industrial users with high energy needs. With lower prices through long-term agreements, businesses can protect themselves from future price fluctuations. Since the solar plant is located off-site, companies also avoid the upfront costs of installing and maintaining infrastructure on their own premises. This results in electricity cost savings of 30–60% over the long term.

No On-Site Disruptions

One of the major advantages of off-site solar is that it doesn’t interfere with business operations. There’s no need to modify rooftops, shut down equipment, or deal with any kind of structural adjustments. The solar energy is produced remotely and sent directly through the existing power connection, allowing businesses to continue running smoothly without interruptions during installation or afterward.

Simplified Compliance

Setting up solar projects often involves a range of regulatory steps, including permits, grid approvals, and policy documentation. With off-site solar, the provider manages all these processes. This reduces the burden on businesses and helps ensure a smoother, faster setup, especially for companies unfamiliar with the local energy policies and processes.

Grid-Connected Flexibility

Off-site solar energy is delivered through the standard grid, meaning businesses don’t need to change their internal wiring or power systems. It integrates into existing operations just like regular electricity, offering the benefits of solar without technical complications. This makes it easier for companies to adopt clean energy on a large scale without modifying the current setup.

Enernew’s 50 MW Solar Plant in Bikaner

At Enernew, our commitment to supporting India’s goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2070 is reflected in every step we take. The 50 MW solar plant in Bikaner stands as a reflection of this vision, delivering off-site solar energy solutions tailored to meet the evolving needs of commercial and industrial consumers.

Spread across 300 acres, it showcases our expertise in executing large-scale renewable projects with efficiency and compliance. From securing land to obtaining all regulatory approvals, every stage has been managed with a focus on transparency and sustainability.

Through open-access solar solutions from its Bikaner plant, Enernew enables businesses to access clean energy without the need for rooftop installations or complex on-site infrastructure. The project not only supports India's renewable energy goals but also addresses the practical requirements of large-scale power consumers, making it easier to adopt sustainable energy and contribute to a green and energy-efficient future.

Making the Shift to Solar Simpler with Enernew

Building on the 45 years of legacy of Sriram Cables, Enernew is committed to unleashing the true potential of solar energy and helping businesses transcend the traditional energy constraints. With extensive industry experience in collaborating with 50+ companies, executing over 100 MWp+ solar projects and a solar plant in Bikaner, we cater to businesses across industries with Off-Site Captive Open Access Solar Parks and On-Site C&I Solar Projects, wind, Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), and advanced wind-solar hybrids.

Looking to reduce your costs and contribute to making India’s renewable vision true? Schedule a consultation with us today, and let’s find the right solar path together!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is off-site solar and how does it work for businesses?

Off-site solar allows businesses to source solar energy from a remote location rather than generating it on-site. Power is transmitted through the grid under open access or group captive models, enabling clean energy use without installing rooftop systems.

2. What are the advantages of choosing off-site solar over on-site solar?

Off-site solar eliminates the need for rooftop space, avoids structural modifications, and reduces maintenance responsibility. It also offers greater flexibility for high-consumption businesses that need large-scale power without disrupting day-to-day operations.

3. How can off-site solar help reduce long-term electricity costs?

Off-site solar solutions are typically delivered through long-term power purchase agreements (PPAs), allowing businesses to lock in lower rates than traditional grid tariffs. This helps reduce electricity costs by up to 50% over time.

4. Is off-site solar suitable for industrial-scale energy needs?

Yes. Off-site solar is well-suited for businesses with high energy requirements. At Enernew, our solar plant in Bikaner enables commercial and industrial consumers to access high-capacity, grid-connected solar power without on-site installation, making it a practical choice for long-term efficiency.