CATCH Power in India.

CATCH Power in India – Sharing Solar, Learning Big

Recently, Nigel Morris from CATCH Power joined a group travelling to India with the Smart Energy Council and Austrade. The trip’s goal? To explore how our tech could support India’s bold plan to install 10 million rooftop solar systems in just three years. A huge number — and an even bigger opportunity.

First Impressions

India is an incredible mix of ancient traditions and modern innovation, packed into a country

of over 1.4 billion people. It's loud, colourful, and full of life – with endless contrasts: from peaceful temples to buzzing traffic, from royal palaces to slum communities, all side by side.

Kicking Things Off in Delhi

The journey started in New Delhi, home to 37 million people. The welcome reception at the Australian High Commission was humbling, with support from both PM Albanese and PM Modi to grow solar energy between the two countries.

Nigel was part of a private meeting with the Chairman of PowerGrid, India’s main energy provider, to discuss how Australian technology is helping manage rooftop solar and what India could learn from our experience with over 4 million solar installations.

Full Days, Big Conversations

There were back-to-back round tables with local energy companies, tech leaders and policy makers — plus lots of delicious food, amazing hospitality and some truly generous gift-giving ceremonies.

In between, Nigel managed to squeeze in a whirlwind motorbike Uber ride through Delhi’s peak-hour chaos, a visit to a historic mosque and market, and a peek into the real day-to-day life of this massive city.

Onward to Ahmedabad

The next stop was Ahmedabad, in Gujarat – PM Modi’s home state. After landing and enjoying a traditional royal-style feast, Nigel explored the buzzing night markets, met curious local kids, and saw the striking contrast between old and new India.

He also made a quick visit to Gandhi’s ashram, where the iconic leader started his peace marches – a moment of calm and reflection amidst the rush.

Temples, Villages and Solar in Action

One of the standout moments was visiting the 1,000-year-old Modhera Sun Temple — a stunning architectural wonder dedicated to the sun. Nearby, Nigel toured India’s first fully solar-powered village, where every house has a 1kW system and locals track their savings on an app. A large solar farm and battery provide backup, and villagers earn real income from the power they generate. A true example of solar changing lives.

Training the Future

India doesn’t just need solar panels — it needs hundreds of thousands of trained installers. The team visited universities and training labs preparing students to build and maintain the country’s growing solar and EV systems. The demand for education is huge, and Australia’s experience in training and accreditation can help.

Solar, Crops and Milkier Cows

On the final day, Nigel visited two AgriSolar farms where solar panels don’t just produce energy — they also protect crops from the sun, improve soil, support the local grid, and even help cows produce more milk! The power also helps run a nearby hospital. This kind of project shows the true power of solar: helping people, land and livelihoods all at once.

Farewell for Now

India left a lasting impression. It’s a country of contrasts: beauty and hardship, chaos and calm, old and new — all swirling together. Whether it’s riding through a wedding parade in a rickshaw, sharing food with locals, or watching ancient temples light up at dusk, it’s clear that solar has a big role to play in India’s future — and CATCH Power could be a part of that.

We’re incredibly grateful to the Smart Energy Council, Austrade, the Australian High Commission, and all the people who made this eye-opening and inspiring trip possible.