SUN Energy Introduces On-Grid, Off-Grid, and Hybrid Solar Energy Solutions with Zero Upfront Cost

Energy demand in Indonesia’s industrial sector continues to rise due to increasing production capacity, factory expansion, and the digitalization of manufacturing processes. Amid these developments, energy efficiency has become a key strategy to maintain competitiveness and reduce operational costs.

To address these challenges, SUN Energy, the largest solar project developer in Indonesia, has introduced solar energy system solutions through an innovative financing model with zero upfront cost for industrial players. This scheme, commonly known as a rental or Build, Own, Transfer (BOT) model, enables companies to transition to clean energy without capital expenditure, while reducing electricity expenses by 30-40% annually, depending on system capacity and consumption patterns.

Solar Energy as a Strategy for Efficiency & Energy Resilience

According to data from PT PLN (Persero), electricity tariffs for large industrial customers (I-4 category) are around Rp996.74/kWh, while medium industries (I-3 category) pay between Rp1,035–1,114/kWh, depending on region and time of use.

With rising energy demand, these costs can reach billions of rupiah annually. Since most industrial activities take place during daytime, when electricity demand peaks, solar energy becomes a strategic solution, generating electricity precisely when consumption is highest.

Installation costs for solar energy systems vary depending on region and energy consumption patterns. A residential system with 1,150 Wp capacity costs approximately Rp25 million, or about Rp21.7 million per kWp. Scaling that to a 1 MWp industrial system (1,000 kWp), the investment could exceed Rp20 billion. This illustrates the substantial capital investment required, which often becomes a barrier, even though the long-term efficiency gains are highly significant.

SUN Energy’s Zero Investment Solar Solution

To eliminate this barrier, SUN Energy offers a Zero Investment scheme, allowing industrial clients to utilize solar-generated electricity without paying upfront installation costs.

All investments, operations, and maintenance are fully borne by SUN Energy, while clients simply pay a monthly rental fee, or a per kWh tariff that is lower than national grid electricity rates. Through this scheme, companies can save 30–40% in energy costs, depending on system capacity and daily consumption.

SUN Energy’s systems are designed to be flexible across industrial operations:

• On-grid systems

Connected directly to the national grid for a stable power supply.

• Off-grid systems

Ideal for industries reliant on diesel generators, operating independently with battery storage support.

• Hybrid systems

Combining both benefits, maximizing solar usage during the day and automatically switching to grid or battery at night or during cloudy weather.

This approach offers high operational flexibility, enabling industries to transition to clean energy without altering existing electrical infrastructure and without risk of operational disruption.

Contribution to National Efficiency & Decarbonization

Beyond financial benefits, solar adoption significantly improves industrial energy efficiency and supports Indonesia’s national energy transition goals.

By utilizing solar energy during peak midday hours, industries can reduce grid electricity consumption and ease national peak load demand. According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), utility-scale solar electricity costs have dropped around 90% since 2010, making it among the most economical energy sources globally.

From a sustainability perspective, solar adoption aligns with Indonesia’s renewable energy targets. Research by the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA) notes that Indonesia aims to add 75 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2040, with solar projected to contribute the largest share. Meanwhile, Climate Action Tracker reports Indonesia’s plan to increase on-grid renewable energy to 44% by 2030 and achieve net zero by 2050.

With its Zero Investment business model, flexible technological solutions, and extensive experience across hundreds of industrial installations, SUN Energy positions itself as a strategic partner for manufacturing, logistics, and industrial estates on their journey toward efficient and sustainable operations.

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