Solar Innovation and Powering the Future: Insights from Raminder Singh, VP at Lauritz Knudsen Electrical & Automation - SolarQuarter

In today’s fast-evolving landscape of energy management, Lauritz Knudsen Electrical & Automation (LKEA) leads the charge in delivering advanced solutions tailored to the growing demand for clean, efficient energy. With a proud legacy spanning over 60 years in electrical distribution, LKEA is deeply committed to accelerating India’s renewable energy ambitions, particularly the goal of achieving 500 GW by 2030, through reliable, locally-produced, and competitively-priced products.

What sets LKEA apart is the exceptional value it offers. With a focus on product specifications, superior performance, and comprehensive ecosystem support, LKEA’s solutions stand out as both cost-effective and future-ready.

In this exclusive interview, Raminder Singh, Vice President of Product Management and Marketing at LKEA, discusses the company’s solar solutions, product development strategies, training centers, and how LKEA is leveraging advanced technologies to address key trends like Industry 4.0 and EV infrastructure growth for more efficient and sustainable power distribution.

With over 60 years of experience in developing efficient electrical distribution solutions, LKEA serves as a dependable partner for Low Voltage (LV) & Medium Voltage (MV) products tailored for solar PV plants. Our solar product range encompasses AC switchgear solutions up to 800V AC and DC switchgear solutions up to 1500V DC, empowering solar plant owners to optimize energy generation while fully complying with local grid requirements.

For string inverter-based solar PV plants, LKEA offers 415V, 690V, and 800V AC product ranges featuring various essential components such as FGS/CZ Isolators, DSine DZ MCCB, Omega ACB, SPD, Sandwich Type Busbar Trunking, and MV VCB. Meanwhile, for centralized inverter-based PV plants, our 1500V DC product range includes DC MCCB and DC Isolator/LBS (FGS & CZ).

In the residential segment, our offerings include Exora DC & AC MCB combinations (Rooftop System) to meet specific reliable and safe operational needs. Additionally, LKEA provides solutions for metering requirements, offering products like Digital Panel Meters, Net Meters, and Availability-based Tariff Meters.

By offering a complete, superior range of 800VAC & 1500VDC products tailored for solar plants using either string or central-based inverters, LKEA is committed to enabling better control, monitoring, and protection of electrical assets in any solar plant, thereby promoting green energy and sustainability.

2. As Vice President of Product Management, how do you prioritize and manage the development of new products for solar industry to ensure they meet the evolving demands of the Indian market?

We aim to be a trusted partner in India’s commitment to achieving 500 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030.

We firmly believe in delivering reliable, indigenous, durable, and price-competitive products to meet the growing energy demands in India, especially in a highly competitive segment where reliability and safety are paramount.

Firstly, we ensure product reliability through rigorous testing and quality assurance processes.

Secondly, we emphasize indigenization to align with local manufacturing and sourcing requirements, enhancing acceptance by market and regulatory bodies.

Additionally, prioritizing product durability and robustness to withstand local environmental conditions is essential.

Finally, maintaining price competitiveness through efficient cost management and strategic sourcing helps us address market demands. As we introduce innovative products to the industry, we recognize the need to develop and share knowledge with stakeholders involved in projects, such as panel builders, EPC, and developers.

We are committed to developing the ecosystem and maintaining continuous engagement with inverter OEMs and solar module manufacturers to stay updated on the latest technological changes and their impact on our offerings.

3. How do Lauritz Knudsen’s training centers contribute to enhancing the technical skills of professionals in India, and what impact has this had on the industry?

Lauritz Knudsen’s training centers in India play a crucial role in enhancing the technical skills of professionals. Our six training centers across India offer a wide selection of training programs aimed at enhancing knowledge and competencies in efficiently managing electrical systems. With fully equipped workshops and necessary setups, participants can have hands-on sessions on various LV, MV switchgear, and automation products. Training programs on system design and good electrical engineering practices help in designing robust and future-ready systems.

This focus on skill-building and the blend of theory and practical training has had a significant impact on the industry by nurturing a motivated and skilled workforce.

4. How is Lauritz Knudsen leveraging advanced technologies to enhance the efficiency and reliability of its power distribution solutions?Lauritz Knudsen is at the forefront of innovation, using advanced technologies to improve the efficiency and reliability of our power distribution solutions. Our focus is on designing sustainable solutions, utilizing eco-friendly materials and processes that minimize environmental impact.

We are working on cutting-edge technologies, such as cloud-based platforms and real-time data analytics to offer monitoring and optimizing solar power distribution systems. This will help solar developers to monitor and optimize their operation.

Furthermore, we incorporate innovative power electronics components designed to minimize energy losses, reinforcing our commitment to providing industry-leading solutions for the solar sector. Through these advancements, Lauritz Knudsen continues to set the standard in delivering sustainable, efficient, and reliable power distribution solutions.

5. What key trends and opportunities do you see in the Indian electrical and automation market?

The Indian electrical and automation market is experiencing significant growth and transformation due to several key trends and opportunities. These include digitalization and Industry 4.0 which is driving the demand for automation, IoT, and AI-driven solutions in manufacturing.

The shift towards renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind, is creating opportunities for advanced power distribution and automation solutions. Government policies and corporate sustainability goals are driving the emphasis on energy-efficient products and solutions. Urbanization and smart cities are also driving the need for smart grids that ensure reliable power distribution while integrating renewable energy sources.Government initiatives and regulatory also demanding Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat, are encouraging investments in the electrical and automation sectors. Programs aimed at electrifying rural areas and improving grid connectivity present opportunities for companies providing robust and scalable electrical solutions.The rapid growth of the electric vehicle market in India is creating demand for EV charging infrastructure, which requires advanced electrical distribution and automation solutions. Battery management and energy storage solutions are also gaining interest as EV adoption grows. Cybersecurity in automation is a critical concern, with a growing market for secure automation solutions that protect against cyber threats while ensuring operational continuity.