Sterling Engineering completes 1MW rooftop solar project at Falcon Tea Factory

Believed to be largest, single rooftop solar installation in Ratnapura district

Sterling Engineering (Pvt.) Ltd, a forerunner in renewable energy solutions, has successfully completed a landmark one-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 to 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 percent 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 the environmentally conscious global buyers.

“Working with Sterling Engineering has been a game-changer for us. Its 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 one MW installation is a proud step forward for Falcon Tea, setting a new standard for how traditional industries can embrace modern, eco-friendly technologies,” said Falcon Tea Factory CEO Indika Liyanage.

Sterling Engineering Managing Director Shenal Handunge 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.”