Usually, when we think about solar energy, we imagine rows of flat panels on rooftops or out in the fields. But Shani Pandya saw something else. He wondered, what if clean energy could actually grow, like a tree? That question sparked Imagine Powertree. Imagine Powertree is a company quietly revolutionising how India views solar power.
How One Idea Took Root
Shani Pandya is an architect-turned-entrepreneur who founded Imagine Tree in 2018. He didn’t set out to solve an energy problem at first. Shani saw a design challenge. Indian cities are packed tight. Rooftops are already full, land prices are sky-high, and the standard solar panels just don’t fit the way city life works. Instead of forcing cities to change to solar, Shani thought solar should adapt to the city.
So he came up with the Solar Tree, a tall structure with solar panels branching out like leaves. Each Powertree cranks out enough electricity to light up nearby streets, run small businesses, or power public spaces. The company also builds building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV), meaning walls, facades, and even the look of a building can generate energy. Now, electricity gets produced right where people need it most.
How Powertree Works
Instead of spreading out flat, Powertree grows upward. It stacks solar panels vertically, so it needs much less space than a standard setup. The power it generates goes straight into nearby buildings or is stored for later use. Each system is designed to catch as much sunlight as possible. Also, reduce the need for big power grids, and make clean energy an option. This is true even in the most crowded parts of the city.
Business Model and Investment
Imagine Powertree generates revenue from custom solar projects, smart city upgrades, and long-term maintenance deals. Clean-energy investors and innovation programmes have backed the company. It is helping boost production, ramp up R&D, and sharpen its urban design skills. The designs aren’t just practical; they look good, save space, and help the company keep healthy profit margins.
Impact on India
India is pursuing ambitious renewable energy goals, and Imagine Powertree demonstrates that solar energy can be practical, profitable, and even aesthetically pleasing. By turning city spaces into energy hubs, this company is helping Indian cities go greener without giving up their style or way of working.
Read More : Loom Solar: The Clean Energy Movement in India, Starting with a Simple Idea
