Hardik Kothiya: From Solar Manufacturing Leader to Shark Tank India Season 5 Investor

When we think of startup judges on Shark Tank India, we often expect investors from tech, consumer brands, or SaaS founders. But Hardik Kothiya brings a unique and powerful perspective that of a renewable energy pioneer who has helped build one of India’s fastest-growing solar manufacturing companies from the ground up. 

As the founder and Managing Director of Rayzon Solar, Kothiya has not only contributed to India’s clean-energy infrastructure but now brings that sustainability-first mindset to the Shark Tank India Season 5 panel.

Let’s explore his journey, the rise of Rayzon Solar, and how he’s shaping both the solar industry and early-stage entrepreneurship in India.

Hardik Kothiya - Biography

Hardik Kothiya - Early Life and Education

Hardik Kothiya belongs to India, and he has had early aptitudes for the areas of business and renewable technology. Though there are not many facts available for his early education, the professional experiences of the person indicate that he has done his higher education from Gujarat University.

Hardik Kothiya - Career and Entrepreneurial Journey

In 2017, Hardik Kothiya co-founded Rayzon Solar with his business partner Chirag Nakrani in Surat, Gujarat, aiming to make India a leader in solar energy manufacturing and renewable solutions. 

What began as a modest solar panel production company has grown dramatically. Over the years, Rayzon has expanded from an initial 40 MW of production capacity to about 6 GW across multiple facilities by 2025, representing exponential growth that positions it among India’s top solar manufacturers.

Under Hardik’s leadership, Rayzon’s mission has always been clear: to create high-efficiency, globally competitive solar solutions that accelerate India’s sustainable energy adoption.

Hardik Kothiya - The Rise of Rayzon Solar

Rayzon Solar’s rapid expansion reflects its strong strategy and execution:

• Diverse manufacturing footprint: Two major facilities in Karanj and Sava, with a third slated for completion.
• Giant production increases: From 40 MW in its early years to plans for 8–9 GW capacity by the end of the year.
• Revenue growth: From INR 261 crore in FY22 to more than INR 1,957 crore in just nine months ending December 2024.
• International reach: Rayzon Solar now serves customers across India, the US, and Europe, showing its global ambitions.
• Product excellence: Rayzon’s panels are designed for both utility-scale and residential solar solutions, focusing on efficiency and long-term reliability.
• The company has also taken strategic steps like backward integration with aluminium extrusion and anodising facilities, ensuring greater control over its supply chain, a key factor in its competitive edge.

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Hardik Kothiya - Recognition and Industry Impact

Hardik Kothiya’s leadership and Rayzon Solar’s performance have garnered significant acclaim:

• Hurun India U35 Elite: Hardik was named among India’s youngest billionaires and featured on the prestigious Hurun India U35 list, marking him as one of the youngest achievers in the renewable energy sector.
• Sustainability Awards: Rayzon Solar was awarded in the ELLE Sustainability Awards 2025 for its environmental stewardship and community involvement.
• Green Gujarat Award: The company won an award for maintaining concern about sustainable innovation in 2024.

These recognitions emphasise Kothiya’s dual focus on high performance and sustainability, driving business success while staying deeply committed to clean energy goals.

Hardik Kothiya - Role on Shark Tank India

With Season 5 of Shark Tank India, Hardik Kothiya makes his debut on the national entrepreneurial landscape as one of the newest Sharks, bringing not only funds to invest but also a vision for his industry, inspired by his focus on a climate-smart future.

Notably, his inclusion on this panel marks a trend; investment is welcoming leaders from the sustainability and deep tech space and is expanding from tradition into impact entrepreneurship.

As a Shark, the expectation is that he will offer his experience and acumen to the founders and the teams that pitch on the topics of clean energy, climate tech, and scalable manufacturing.

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Hardik Kothiya - Philosophy and Leadership Style

Hardik’s leadership philosophy centers around innovation, resilience, and sustainability. His journey with Rayzon Solar underscores a belief that:

• Renewable energy is not just a business opportunity but a societal necessity.
• Calculated risks and bold thinking can generate both environmental and economic value.
• A strong culture of quality and innovation drives long-term success.

He’s known for encouraging his teams to push boundaries while staying anchored in responsible manufacturing and ethical growth, values he’s likely to champion on Shark Tank India.

Hardik Kothiya - Challenges and Growth Lessons

Like many founders in capital-intensive industries, Hardik faced:

• Scale and Capital Challenges: Building manufacturing capacity requires massive investment and logistical coordination. Rayzon’s ongoing expansion and pre-IPO filings reflect efforts to secure sustained funding.
• Market Competition: The market in both India and globally has intense competition in the solar sector, which calls for continuous innovations to avoid being commoditized.
• Sustainability Integration: Incorporating environmental responsibility into all facets of the company, Rayzon Solutions was able to make this happen through awards and community involvement.

Such experiences have only made us realize the importance of having a long-term vision and a disciplined strategy to pursue it, along with team alignment, and this is what needs to be done, not only in a renewable energy company but also in all startup companies.

Hardik Kothiya - Legacy and Continuing Mission

Today, Hardik Kothiya stands as a symbol of India’s renewable energy transformation, a young leader who grew Rayzon Solar into a major manufacturer while promoting environmental stewardship and economic innovation.

Shark Tank India witnessed a fresh entrant in his third stint as a shark, but this induction brings a much-needed change, as minds that are impact-driven are now entering mainstream platforms to inspire founders who are working on projects that aim to profit while preserving the planet.

Kothiya's case clearly shows that clean energy is not only a future industry but is already here and making big waves in the entrepreneurial world.

FAQs

Who is Hardik Kothiya?

Hardik Kothiya is an Indian entrepreneur, co-founder and Managing Director of Rayzon Solar, and a Shark on Shark Tank India Season 5.

What is Rayzon Solar known for?

Rayzon Solar is one of India’s fastest-growing solar panel manufacturers, focused on high-efficiency and sustainable solar solutions.

Why is Hardik Kothiya on Shark Tank India?

He brings a sustainability-first and manufacturing-led perspective, especially for clean energy and climate-tech startups.

What makes Hardik Kothiya’s journey unique?

He built a solar manufacturing company from the ground up while promoting clean energy, global expansion, and impact-driven entrepreneurship.