The Hindu Business Line : Demand for inverters seen rising

Setoffs
There is fear of sub-standard inverters entering market.
Inverter prices likely to shoot up.
Vital component in electrical inverter in short supply.

Mumbai, April 6 The market for electrical inverter is all set to boom this summer if the power companies go ahead with their plan for load shedding in Mumbai city.

Organised inverter manufacturers have already ramped up their manpower and supply chain. They are also searching for new dealers and suppliers for the city.

Mr Kunwer Sachdev, CEO of Su-Kam Power Systems Ltd, one of the leading inverter manufacturers, said Mumbai city may become a big market for inverters, but this summer none of the inverter manufacturers would be able to supply in big numbers. Inverters are not available in city markets as the residents have never used such appliances in the past.

"Inverters manufacturers will find it difficult to cater to Mumbai area as the current manufacturing capacity is tied up to the already established North and Northeast Indian market. A vital component in electrical inverter called MOSFET, which is imported from overseas, is currently in short supply. Therefore, inverters prices are likely to shoot up," Mr Sachdev said.

He said that the power situation in Mumbai has thrown up unique challenges and opportunities for Su-Kam and the company is sending a team of senior managers to handle the anticipated demand.

Building network

Another major inverter manufacturer, Luminious Power Technology Ltd, which is part of the SAR Group, has already gone one step further and started roping in new distributors for Mumbai city.

Mr Rakesh Malhotra, Managing Director of Luminious, said that the challenge for manufactures in the Mumbai area is not only to provide inverters but also to create the technical infrastructure for servicing the inverters. The city could need about one-lakh inverters immediately,'' he said.

"We already have our network of dealers outside Mumbai but now we are expanding our dealer network in the city," Mr Malhotra said.

Price option

Inverters are available from Rs 8,000 to Rs 12 lakh for various domestic and industrial requirements. The range starts with 800 VA domestic Inverter, which can supply power to one TV set and four ceiling fans and tube lights. It runs from three to 10 hours depending on usage.

Mr Sachdev fears that once the load shedding starts affecting normal life, people will rush to the market for inverters and in the process buy sub-standard products.

Demand

It takes at least 24 hours to inspect the power wiring, gauge the load and accordingly install the inverter, he said.

Mr Rakesh Agarawal, a supplier of inverters in Navi Mumbai, said that demand for inverters has been steadily rising in areas close to Mumbai city. The suppliers have not been able to full fill the demand in spite of working round the clock. Once load-shedding starts in Mumbai, demand will further increase, he said.

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