Early Life
Surender Saluja was born in Bikaner, Rajasthan, a region known for its traditional snacks and sweets. His early life was influenced by his family's involvement in sweet-making, which sparked his entrepreneurial spirit. The family moved to Hyderabad, where his father started a peppermint business. Saluja graduated with a degree in mechanical engineering from Karnatak University, Dharwad, in 1969.
Rise to Success
Saluja's entrepreneurial journey began with small ventures after graduation. However, his breakthrough came in 1995 when he founded Premier Energies in Hyderabad, recognizing the untapped potential of solar energy. He started the company with the vision of utilizing freely available sunlight. Under his leadership, Premier Energies started with solar lanterns and streetlights, and expanded into solar module manufacturing in 1999.
Key Business Strategies
Premier Energies focused on quality and innovation from the outset. Saluja introduced hygienically packaged snacks, self-service counters, and modernized production techniques. He ensured the company adapted to changing customer preferences, which transformed Bikanervala into a brand synonymous with Indian snacks and sweets. A key strategy has been backward integration, exemplified by establishing a solar cell line in 2011. Premier Energies has also focused on expanding its capacity, with a current solar cell manufacturing capacity of 2 GW and a module manufacturing capacity of 4.13 GW as of March 31, 2024.
Philanthropy
Surender Saluja has contributed to causes related to education, health, and community development. He has supported local artisans and promoted traditional sweet-making techniques to ensure the cultural heritage of Rajasthan thrives.
