Shravan Gupta

From Dreams to Solar Power

Shravan Gupta

Managing Director,

Cosmic Pv Power

Anticipating industry trends and strategically positioning oneself to make a positive impact is a hallmark of true leadership, and few exemplify this better than Shravan Gupta, the visionary Managing Director at Cosmic Solar. His dynamic career trajectory, marked by a seamless transition through telecom sales and finance, culminated in his strategic entry into the burgeoning solar industry.
In 2015, Shravan’s attention turned towards the promising solar sector, driven by a keen anticipation of its exponential growth. Recognising the favourable policies in Gujarat, he made a decisive career shift, joining a solar company in the state. In this pivotal role, Shravan not only embraced the challenges of overseeing the entire process, from acquiring land to setting up machinery, but excelled. Within two and a half years, the collective efforts resulted in an extraordinary turnover of Rs. 100+ crore, a testament to Shravan’s strategic acumen and leadership in the solar industry.
Buoyed by this remarkable success, Shravan undertook a bold entrepreneurial venture, establishing Cosmic PV Power Private Limited. Since its inception, the company has not merely weathered challenges but has thrived, achieving a remarkable turnover exceeding Rs. 100 crore. Shravan’s leadership in navigating the complexities of the solar industry and steering Cosmic Solar to such unprecedented success showcases a blend of strategic vision, resilience, and an entrepreneurial spirit that defines him as a leader at the forefront of sustainable energy innovation. His commitment to pushing boundaries and contributing to the global shift towards clean energy further solidifies his position as a key influencer in the solar industry. But how is he taking one step at a time towards success? That is what TradeFlock delved into in this interview with him.

In your entrepreneurial role, what are the major challenges you face, and how do you address them?

Leading a company in the solar industry comes with its own set of challenges. Firstly, the sector undergoes rapid technological advancements, necessitating constant upgrades and expansions. This requires a substantial capital investment. Secondly, there’s a persistent challenge in finding qualified manpower. Despite concerted efforts to train individuals, securing the right talent for our workforce remains a consistent challenge. The demand is substantial, with a need for around 200 to 250 skilled individuals.Leading a company in the solar industry comes with its own set of challenges. Firstly, the sector undergoes rapid technological advancements, necessitating constant upgrades and expansions. This requires a substantial capital investment. Secondly, there’s a persistent challenge in finding qualified manpower. Despite concerted efforts to train individuals, securing the right talent for our workforce remains a consistent challenge. The demand is substantial, with a need for around 200 to 250 skilled individuals.

Can you share some key learnings from your experience leading a startup?

Over the course of my career, one of the fundamental lessons I have learned is the importance of daring to dream. Setting ambitious targets is crucial, even if attaining 100% success is not guaranteed. Entrepreneurs should not limit their aspirations. Additionally, the ability to make bold decisions has been pivotal. Throughout my journey, maintaining a talented workforce has consistently provided a competitive edge. The combination of ambitious goals, bold decisions, and a skilled team has been instrumental in our success.

How does Cosmic Solar see its role in the solar industry's future given the government's support for green energy in the next five to ten years?

The government’s unwavering commitment to solar energy, as evidenced by initiatives like the Sudha Yojana and budget allocations, instills confidence in the industry’s growth. Cosmic Solar aims to leverage this support for significant expansion. We have set ambitious targets with aggressive growth plans.
The policies supporting green energy have not only driven domestic growth but have also led to an increase in international orders, with our industry experiencing over 300% export growth in the past year.

What innovative practices differentiate Cosmic Solar from its competitors?

While the solar industry often adopts foreign technology, our innovation lies in our business practices. We have embraced an OEM (original equipment manufacturer) business model. This entails not only manufacturing for various brands, including our own, but strategically training our workforce to be versatile. This approach has positioned us as a leading OEM partner for brands, ensuring efficient production and a competitive edge. Coupled with the decision to run our factory 24/7, our emphasis is on scalability and sustainability.

What specific achievement stands out for you and brings a sense of pride to your career?

The journey of cosmic solar itself stands as a significant milestone. Starting as a sales executive and evolving into a leader in one of the top industries in the country is a testament to our growth. The company’s evolution from a modest beginning to operating with a turnover exceeding Rs. 100 crore is a remarkable achievement. The growth and learning experiences throughout this journey are immeasurable and underscore the resilience of cosmic solar.

What habit drives your success, and what's the roadmap for your and Cosmic Solar future?

The habit that has contributed significantly to my success is forward-thinking. I consistently plan for the next financial year, setting ambitious targets and making bold decisions to achieve them. In a rapidly evolving and competitive business environment, thinking ahead of competitors is crucial. Looking ahead, my vision for Cosmic Solar involves achieving a turnover of Rs. 1000 crore by 2026, potentially exploring an IPO. On a personal level, success is not solely measured by financial milestones. We are committed to creating over 1,000 employment opportunities within the company. This aligns with our belief that financial success should be accompanied by a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction derived from making a positive impact on society. This vision integrates both financial growth and social responsibility, encapsulating the essence of our journey and future aspirations.