Sterling Engineering Completes 1MW Rooftop Solar Project at Falcon Tea Factory
Believed to be the largest, single rooftop solar installation in the Ratnapura District
Sterling Engineering (Pvt) Ltd, a forerunner in renewable energy solutions, has successfully completed a landmark 1 Megawatt rooftop solar power project at the Falcon Tea Factory in Ratnapura, widely regarded as the finest tea producer in Sri Lanka’s Sabaragamuwa Province. This milestone project is the largest single rooftop solar installation in the district, setting a new benchmark for industrial sustainability in the region.
The project, built on a single transformer, exemplifies Sterling’s commitment to engineering excellence, sustainable innovation, and the national transition toward clean energy. With an output capacity of 110,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per month, the solar plant significantly contributes the factory’s carbon footprint and operational costs, while meaningfully impacting Sri Lanka’s broader renewable energy goals.
Sri Lanka has set ambitious targets under its National Renewable Energy Policy, aiming for 70% of electricity generation from renewables by 2030. Solar energy is expected to play a major role in this transition, with the government actively promoting solar installations through net metering and rooftop programmes. Projects like the one at Falcon Tea Factory are vital milestones in achieving this vision, especially in regions like Ratnapura, which are rich in agricultural heritage but historically yet to catch-up in terms of modern infrastructure.
Sterling Engineering has consistently gone beyond traditional solar installations, positioning itself as a total energy solutions provider. Specialising in large-scale commercial and industrial projects, the company also offers comprehensive energy audits and consultancy services. Endorsed by respected companies in the related fields, further validate Sterling Engineering’s technical credibility and performance consistency.
The management at the Falcon Tea Factory views this transformation as an essential step toward aligning operational excellence with environmental responsibility. This marks a broader shift in the tea industry as more estates adopt solar energy to reduce emissions and meet the expectations of environmentally conscious global buyers.
“Working with Sterling Engineering has been a game-changer for us. Their team delivered a seamless, high-impact solar solution that not only helps reduce our energy costs but also aligns perfectly with our commitment to sustainability. This 1MW installation is a proud step forward for Falcon Tea, setting a new standard for how traditional industries can embrace modern, eco-friendly technologies,” said Indika Liyanage CEO of Falcon Tea Factory.
Also commenting on the project, Shenal Handunge, Managing Director of Sterling Engineering, stated “The completion of this landmark project reflects Sterling Engineering’s unwavering commitment to innovation and sustainability. We take great pride in delivering high-quality engineering solutions that contribute to the nation’s renewable energy transition. We are deeply grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with Falcon Tea Factory on a project of such significance.”
As energy needs grow and operating margins tighten, projects like this suggest that the shift to renewables in Sri Lanka’s industrial base may no longer be a question of ‘if’, but ‘when and how well’.
