Rajesh Mashru

A pioneering solar energy entrepreneur who revolutionized rural electrification in India through affordable solar solutions.

Rajesh Mashru (b. 1958) is an Indian engineer and entrepreneur whose work in renewable energy has transformed access to electricity in rural India. Born in the state of Gujarat, Mashru witnessed firsthand the challenges of energy poverty during his childhood, which inspired his lifelong mission to bridge the energy divide. In the early 1990s, he founded Solar Energy Solutions Pvt. Ltd, a company specializing in low-cost solar power systems tailored for remote communities.

Mashru's breakthrough came with the development of the 'Solar Home System' (SHS), a modular unit combining solar panels, batteries, and LED lighting. By partnering with NGOs like Greenpeace India, he deployed over 50,000 SHS units across 12 states by 2005. His innovations reduced system costs by 40% compared to international models, making solar energy viable for families earning less than $2/day. This work earned him the Ashden Award in 2003 for sustainable energy innovation.

Beyond technology, Mashru pioneered community-based maintenance models where local women were trained as technicians. His 'Solar Sahelis' program trained 1,200 women technicians by 2010, creating economic opportunities while ensuring system longevity. Mashru's advocacy led to the inclusion of solar subsidies in India's 2003 National Solar Mission, indirectly influencing the nation's current 100GW solar target.

Today, his company powers over 2 million homes and operates in 15 countries through partnerships with UNDP and the World Bank. Mashru's legacy lies in proving that clean energy can be both socially equitable and commercially sustainable, challenging the notion that rural electrification requires fossil fuels.