REHENA (Renewable Energy Harvesting Environment Network Association) is an NGO based in Chennai, India. They aim to promote solar power by connecting solar energy buyers with sellers, through buyer-seller meets. I had the opportunity to visit the buyer-seller meet conducted by REHENA on Wednesday, June 12, 2013 at the Rajiv Gandhi Institute for Youth Development (RGNIYD) campus located in Sriperumbudur, Chennai.
As the name says, the meet is basically an opportunity for interested solar power buyers (of that area) to meet selected sellers/solution providers in the solar energy segment. Unlike generic exhibitions, customers are encouraged to register themselves with REHENA beforehand, in order to interact with selected vendors during the meet. Since basic customer requirement information is available, it becomes easier (and faster) to design a solution and perhaps, get a quote on the spot.
It seems, REHENA addresses both Kilo Watt and Mega Watt solar power requirements and is supported by TANSTIA, the apex body of MSME in Tamil Nadu. REHENA helps customers to buy solar power either through PPA (Power Purchase Agreements) or by purchasing and installing their own rooftop/ground-mounted solar power generating equipment.
According to its officials, REHENA has negotiated an EMI for the purchase of solar power generating equipment with Shriram City Union Finance Ltd, which can be utilized by the customers. REHENA can also certify plant installations and the amount of power generated in 24 hours for customers, if required.
A number of customers and vendors turned up for this meet and I was able to interact with many of them. I will profile and write about a few solar companies/products in my blog, in the near future. I am not sure if any sale happened on that day (large projects typically have a long pre-sales cycle), but if I am informed of any sale, I will update this page accordingly.
REHENA officials told me that they intend to conduct such buyer-seller meets at multiple locations in Chennai & Tamil Nadu, in future. I'll leave you with two more photographs taken at the meet -
