Building skills for solar power in Assam, India

In Assam, a young renewable energy company is strengthening technical skills and creating new opportunities for local youth. Through a collaboration with PUM, Prachi Marketing has invested in training, knowledge transfer and quality improvement in solar installations. The result is a growing business, better-trained technicians and a wider contribution to the region’s clean energy transition.

Established in 2021, Prachi Marketing shifted from agricultural marketing to renewable energy and now installs rooftop solar and hybrid systems across Assam. Led by three entrepreneurs and supported by a small team of technicians, the company operates from a modest but efficient facility. As a registered vendor with Assam Power Distribution Company Limited, it has completed more than 100 rooftop solar projects since 2024. Alongside project delivery, Prachi Marketing actively promotes solar energy in Assam, where uptake remains limited despite incentive schemes. Through close cooperation with universities, the company positions itself as a local driver of solar adoption. Its ambition is to grow into a leading regional provider while expanding local employment and partnerships with solar PV manufacturers.

Strengthening skills

As demand for solar energy increased, Prachi Marketing identified a critical gap in local technical capacity. Many installers were able to carry out basic work, but often lacked a solid understanding of system design, electrical parameters, safety standards and commissioning. As a result, some installations did not fully meet regulations or best practice. Local training opportunities were limited, particularly for more advanced grid-connected and hybrid systems. Prachi Marketing therefore approached PUM to strengthen the theoretical and practical skills of its technicians, partners and aspiring solar professionals, including students.

Practical collaboration and knowledge transfer

The collaboration with PUM led to a structured Solar Energy Training programme delivered by PUM expert Robert Wijdeveld. Combining classroom learning with hands-on installation work, the programme focused on real project situations and covered system design, installation, commissioning, safety and quality standards. Participants included employees of Prachi Marketing, local partners and students from Margherita College, with additional awareness activities highlighting the wider benefits of solar energy for the region.

Alongside the training, a Solar Awareness Programme was organised at Kakojan College in Jorhat, bringing together students, lecturers and representatives from industry and government. During the event, Robert Wijdeveld presented on the role of solar power in Assam’s sustainable development, linking technical skills to broader social and environmental impact.

Results that extend beyond one company

More than 25 participants completed the training programme, gaining both theoretical insight and practical experience. Three students were subsequently offered employment by Prachi Marketing, directly contributing to youth employment in the region. Technical challenges in an ongoing hybrid solar project were also resolved, improving system performance and reliability.

The impact goes beyond business growth alone. Other universities have shown interest in introducing similar solar training programmes, pointing to a wider educational and economic effect. By improving installation quality and building local expertise, the project contributes to safer systems, better energy access and reduced reliance on fossil fuels in Assam and beyond.

With demand for solar energy continuing to rise, Prachi Marketing plans to expand its training activities and reach more young people and students.e