Eureka Forbes has made a foray into solar-powered products by launching the EuroDiya range of solar-powered lamps. Test-marketed over the last two months, it is now ready to be sold through the company's direct selling force, online and retail channels, besides institutional sales.

It is primarily targeted at rural markets, where electricity is a challenge, explained Mr Suresh L. Goklaney, Executive Vice-Chairman, Eureka Forbes, in conversation with Business Line .

“There is a need across India for this kind of an affordable product range. This is the only lead-free product in the category, and far superior in terms of quality,” he claimed.

EuroDiya has been launched in a tie-up with US-based Nokero, which is responsible for the solar panel's design and manufacture. Eureka Forbes is offering a 10-year warranty on the panel, and a two-year warranty on the product. On an eight-hour solar charge, the LED-lit EuroDiya can work for six hours on low intensity, the company says. Battery life is claimed to be two years, with a replacement cost of Rs 100.

The range that will be available initially includes bulbs, lanterns and torches, priced between Rs 599 and Rs 2,499. Some of the models have inbuilt mobile chargers.

The company is ready with standalone solar-powered mobile and battery chargers, but is yet to launch them. It is also working on a solar power-based version of its flagship water purifier, Aquaguard.

Mr A. V. Suresh, President – International Operations, and CEO – Forbes Professional, Eureka Forbes, said they were working on a solar-based solution for tablet computers.

Eureka Forbes expects to launch a marketing campaign for the range and ramp up distribution. Some corporate houses and political parties have evinced interest in distributing the EuroDiya in light-starved areas, said Mr Suresh.

Aquasure in bottles in a month

Eureka Forbes is set to launch packaged water under its Aquasure brand in 1, 2 and 5 litre bottles ‘in a month'. The company, which runs 120 water plants in rural areas, is setting up 16 more next month, of which five will be in Gujarat. Water will be sourced from these plants and bottling infrastructure is currently being set up.

While a majority of the current plants have seen investments from NGOs and other partners (besides Eureka Forbes), the company will invest in the new plants and partner with NGOs, panchayats and other local bodies for its functioning.

The existing plants have involved investment of around Rs 5 lakh each (for a 1000-litre plant). The upcoming plants, with bottling facilities, will involve investment of between Rs 17 lakh and Rs 1 crore per plant, said Mr Suresh.

Currently, 20-litre cans are available under the Aquasure brand, and sold through the franchisee route. The roll-out has been recent – an Aquasure franchisee Business Line spoke with in South India said operations began just three months ago.

> gokul.k@thehindu.co.in

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