Copeland and Ecozen advance solar cold storage technology

By Staff Report May 22, 2025 4:28 pm IST

Copeland and Ecozen partnered to expand solar-powered cold storage technology in India, using compressors and solar energy to provide off-grid refrigeration that preserves produce, reduces food waste, and supports farmers incomes.

Copeland, a global provider of heating, cooling, cold chain, and industrial solutions, partnered with Ecozen to develop a solar-powered cold storage system for rural communities in India. The system uses Copeland’s ZBW variable speed compressors and Ecozen’s solar-powered technology, enabling a wide frequency range for off-grid cold rooms at the farm level, improving reliability, reducing energy consumption, and allowing faster pull-down during peak loads.

The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) estimates that 30-40% of total food production is lost before reaching the market. This solution aims to address post-harvest challenges by improving cold chain efficiency to help perishable food reach consumers.

Deployed across India, the system using 300+ Copeland compressors has cut CO₂ emissions by 22 tonnes. Powered by solar and thermal storage, it operates off-grid, reduces energy use by up to 17%, and ensures cooling during low solar or monsoon periods.

Jagadish Keswani, president for Copeland in India, the Middle East, and Africa, stated, “The Indian agriculture sector requires smart refrigeration and storage solutions that are sustainable and energy efficient. Copeland has enhanced Ecozen’s solar cold storage rooms to reduce food waste and maintain produce quality, with ZBW compressors providing reliability and energy savings during low solar intensity.”

Alok Nikhade, AVP Technology at Ecozen, said the partnership with Copeland improved the capabilities of the solar cold room system, helping farmers preserve crops, reduce waste, and extend shelf life through renewable energy.”

The solution improves post-harvest practices, crop preservation, and farmers’ livelihoods. Additionally, the compressor and vapour injection sub-assembly weight has been reduced by up to 15%, making the system more compact and easier to use.