The entertainment industry of today is booming and cinemas need uninterrupted power in order to provide a smooth film experience. The latest projection technology as well as air conditioning, food courts and lighting, the amount of energy used in multiplexes can be substantial. To cut operational expenses and promote sustainable energy use, Freyr Energy partnered with Allu Cinemas to implement a massive rooftop solar system at the Kokapet property located in Hyderabad.
The 727 kW commercial roof solar system is now helping the theater meet a significant amount of its energy needs in addition to generating huge annual savings as well as reducing carbon emission.
Key Highlights:
- Capacity of the system: 727 kW
- Energy requirement met: 60%
- Annual savings: Between Rs 77 and 80 lakhs
- Reduced cost of electricity: 40-50% for daytime draws
- CO2 reduction: 750 tonnes/year
Project Overview
| Detail | Information |
| Client’s name | Allu Cinemas, Kokapet |
| Industry | Entertainment / Cinema |
| Location | Kokapet (Narsingi), Hyderabad |
| Type of project | Commercial rooftop solar |
| Capacity of the system | 727 kW |
| Completion date | Successfully Commissioned |
The Challenge
Allu Cinemas operates multiple screens and also large-capacity HVAC systems, high-capacity projectors, and ambient lighting. They all consume massive amounts of energy. Particular challenges were:
- High energy consumption: This is because the demand for energy is very at its highest during peak times and coincides with the peak utility rates.
- The cost of electricity is rising: Grid rates are increasing by 8 to 10% per year.
- Need for efficiency in operations: The energy sector was the second-largest OPEX after personnel.
- Sustainability and environmental targets that align with the corporate ESG as well as Green Building aspirations.
- The long-term reliability in the power source provides uninterrupted programming without disturbances from the generator or price fluctuation.
Project Implementation Journey
| Phase | Key Activities |
| Site evaluation | Rooftop analysis of structural structure, shade study, and daily energy usage patterns map (9 am – midnight) |
| System design | 727 kW grid-tied device that features high-efficiency monocrystalline panels. cloud-based monitoring |
| Installation phase | Installation that is not intrusive; completed during time to prevent disruptions to performances |
| Testing & commissioning | Test of string, inverter calibration and net meter integration TSSPDCL |
| The challenges are solved | Access to cranes is limited on weekends for work. We used for staged delivery and modular hoisting which was solved by pre-assembled frames |
Results at a Glance (Infographic / Stat Cards)
| Metric | Achievement |
| The energy generated (annual) | ~10.9 million kWh |
| Percentage of the electricity requirement that is met | 60% |
| Reduced electricity cost | 40%-50% of the grid bill |
| Financial savings for the year | Between Rs 77 and 80 lakhs |
| Carbon emission reduction | 750 tonnes/year |
| ROI / long-term benefit | Payback is less than 4 years. System longevity up to 25 years |
Business Impact
- Lower OPEX: This frees capital to fund better sound and projection upgrade.
- Believing in tariff reductions and LCOE (levelized cost of energy) set for several decades.
- Tax & depreciation benefits: Accelerated depreciation under Income Tax Act.
- Operation without interruption: Seamless grid-solar hybrid that has no power quality problems.
Environmental Impact
- The carbon dioxide emissions of 750 tonnes per year are avoided equivalent to planting 34,000 trees a year.
- Lower use of diesel for backup lower noise levels and air pollution in the local area.
- Green image of the brand Attracts environmentally conscious audiences as well as corporate reservations.
Also Read: 5 Ways To Protect Your Solar Panels From Environmental Damage
Client Testimonial
Cinemas require a lot of energy and we wanted to be an example. Freyr Energy didn’t just install panels but they also designed solutions that fit our operating schedule. The savings now exceed the 77 lakhs per year, while conducting cleaner, more peaceful performances. This is good for business as well as good for the environment.
— Allu Aravind (Principal, Allu Cinemas)
Freyr Energy Perspective
Entertainment theaters are usually not considered to be solar powered, yet they’re perfect if you have big, unoccupied rooftops, daytime heavy charges, and expensive tariffs. Through Allu Cinemas, we proved that solar doesn’t only work for IT parks or factories. The concept is for any place where people come together to relax and enjoy their time. This 727 kW unit is the blueprint for the entire film industry.
— Radhika Choudary (Co-Founder, Freyr Energy)
Why Solar Makes Sense for Cinemas
| Challenge | Solar Solution |
| Light load, high AC and lighting | Solar produces electricity precisely during the peak operating times. |
| The rising grid tariffs | Secure predictable, low cost of energy |
| Brand name and reputation | Green cinemas = more footfall and premium prices |
| Roof space that’s not being used | Monetize dead rooftop real estate |
| Backup dependency | Solar reduces generator run hours |
Conclusion
This Allu Cinemas Freyr Energy partnership proves solar power isn’t exclusively for warehouses or factories. It is now an important edge in the entertainment sector. The partnership has 60% of its power coming from solar and annual savings of around the amount of Rs 80 lakhs and the reduction of CO2 to 750 tons This Kokapet project is a brand new bar for sustainable cinema in India.