Copeland, a global leader in sustainable heating, cooling, and cold chain technologies, has joined forces with Ecozen to introduce solar-powered cold storage systems designed to support rural agricultural communities across India. The collaboration integrates Copeland’s advanced ZBW variable speed compressors with Ecozen’s solar technology to provide a high-efficiency refrigeration solution capable of operating in off-grid environments.
With a wide frequency range and fast pull-down capabilities, the system ensures stable temperature control, lower energy use, and improved reliability—particularly valuable for preserving perishable goods immediately after harvest. Addressing the alarming rate of food loss—estimated by the Food and Agriculture Organization to be 30–40% before market—the innovation plays a vital role in strengthening cold chain infrastructure at the farm level.
Since its deployment across India, more than 300 variable speed compressors have been installed in Ecozen’s solar-powered cold rooms, contributing to a reduction of approximately 22 tons of CO₂ emissions for each 5-ton capacity unit. The system’s enhanced vapor injection (EVI) feature increases energy efficiency by up to 17%, enabling fully off-grid operation and reducing farmers’ dependence on conventional energy sources.
By harnessing solar power and thermal energy storage, the cold rooms offer uninterrupted performance—even during monsoons or periods of reduced sunlight—while cutting operating costs. This solution supports farmers in improving the quality and shelf life of their produce, with tangible economic benefits; for example, dragon fruit stored in these units can be sold at four times the typical off-season price.
Jagadish Keswani, President for Copeland in India, the Middle East, and Africa, emphasized the increasing demand for reliable and energy-efficient cold storage solutions within India’s expanding agricultural and e-commerce sectors. He noted that Copeland’s technology has enhanced Ecozen’s solar cold storage systems, enabling farmers to minimize post-harvest losses and maintain crop freshness even in remote locations. The integration of ZBW compressors offers high performance and energy savings, helping meet the sector’s growing demand for sustainable refrigeration.
Ecozen’s AVP of Technology, Alok Nikhade, highlighted how the collaboration has strengthened the company’s capabilities to provide scalable, renewable energy-based solutions for Indian agriculture. The updated system not only improves crop preservation but also supports higher incomes by extending market viability and reducing spoilage. In addition to performance improvements, the solution has also been optimized for practical deployment: the compressor and vapor injection sub-assembly now weigh up to 15% less, resulting in a more compact and user-friendly system that aligns with the evolving needs of India’s farming communities.
Copeland is a global provider of advanced solutions in sustainable heating, cooling, cold chain, and industrial applications. Serving commercial, industrial, refrigeration, and residential sectors, Copeland focuses on helping customers reduce carbon emissions and enhance energy efficiency. The company addresses pressing global challenges such as climate change, rising energy demands, population growth, and complex supply chain dynamics by delivering technologies that support the energy transition and promote the use of low-GWP and natural refrigerants.
Copeland plays a vital role in protecting essential goods through efficient and sustainable cold chain systems. With a workforce of more than 18,000 employees across over 40 countries, the company maintains a strong global presence, ensuring rapid response and tailored solutions for customers worldwide.
Its diverse product portfolio and industry-recognized brands are backed by proven performance in over 200 million installations across the globe. This track record highlights Copeland’s ability to deliver innovation at scale and address evolving environmental and operational demands. Driven by a mission to improve quality of life and safeguard the environment, Copeland is committed to creating sustainable solutions that meet the needs of today while preparing for the challenges of tomorrow.
