Early Life and Entrepreneurial Beginnings
Surender Saluja was born in Bikaner, Rajasthan, a region known for its traditional snacks and sweets. Influenced by his family's sweet-making background, he developed an entrepreneurial spirit. In the 1950s, Saluja recognized the potential for Indian snacks in urban markets, starting a venture in Delhi to sell authentic Bikaneri bhujia and sweets. This marked the beginning of his journey from a small-town entrepreneur to a global business leader.
Rise to Success
In 1995, Surender Saluja took a pivotal step by establishing Premier Energies in Hyderabad, at a time when solar energy was still in its nascent stages. Starting with basic products like solar lanterns and streetlights, the company expanded into installing solar setups in remote villages, demonstrating his commitment to bringing power to underserved areas. Premier Energies commenced solar module manufacturing in 1999.
Key Business Strategies
Surender Saluja's leadership is characterized by a focus on quality, innovation, and sustainability. His company is now the second-largest maker of solar-integrated cells and modules in India. Premier Energies made a strong debut on the stock market in September 2024, which further enhanced its market position and growth prospects. The company has a current production capacity of 2 GW for solar cells and 3.36 GW for solar modules (March 31, 2024).
Philanthropy
Surender Saluja is involved in several philanthropic efforts, particularly in areas related to education, health, and community development in Bikaner. He also supports local artisans and promotes the preservation of Rajasthan's cultural heritage.