In the sprawling manufacturing facility of Sova Solar, where state-of-the-art machinery produces thousands of solar panels daily, Shrilekha Mukherjee moves with the confidence of someone who has earned her place in a traditionally male-dominated space. As Chief Operations Officer, she oversees everything from production strategy to team leadership – but her path to this corner office was anything but conventional.
An Unconventional Beginning
Mukherjee’s background sets her apart in an industry typically dominated by engineering graduates. With a Bachelor’s degree in English Language and Literature from St. Xavier’s College (Autonomous), Kolkata, she didn’t follow the traditional route into manufacturing or renewable energy.
“People often ask me how someone with a literature background ended up running operations at a solar manufacturing company,” Mukherjee says with a smile. “The truth is, leadership isn’t just about technical knowledge – it’s about vision, communication, team building, and the ability to see the bigger picture. My education taught me to think critically, communicate effectively, and understand narratives. Those skills translate into every aspect of running a business.”
Her journey as a woman entrepreneur in the tech industry has taught her the value of perseverance, innovation, and resilience – qualities that have become her trademark at Sova Solar.
Redefining Operational Excellence
As COO, Mukherjee’s responsibilities span operational excellence and optimization, team leadership and development, strategic planning and execution, and cross-functional collaboration. It’s a role that requires both big-picture thinking and attention to granular details – balancing manufacturing efficiency with quality control, scaling production while maintaining standards, and building teams that deliver consistently.
“My job is to ensure that every panel leaving our facility meets the highest standards of quality while we continuously improve our processes and empower our teams,” she explains. “It’s about creating systems that work, building a culture of excellence, and staying ahead of market demands.”
Under her leadership, Sova Solar has expanded its manufacturing capabilities, introduced advanced TOPCon technology, and strengthened its position in India’s competitive solar market. But Mukherjee is quick to credit her team for these achievements.
“Leadership in manufacturing isn’t about having all the answers – it’s about building teams where people feel valued, heard, and empowered to innovate,” she says. “I’ve been fortunate to work with incredibly talented engineers, technicians, and business professionals who bring expertise I could never claim to have. My role is to align that talent toward our shared vision.”
Championing Diversity in Solar
Beyond her operational responsibilities, Mukherjee is passionate about increasing women’s representation in the renewable energy sector – both on factory floors and in boardrooms.
“Let’s be honest – when you walk into most solar manufacturing facilities or industry conferences, you don’t see many women,” she observes. “That needs to change. Not because of quotas or optics, but because diverse perspectives make us better at solving complex problems.”
She’s particularly focused on breaking down the perception that manufacturing and technical fields are inherently male domains. “I’ve seen talented women opt out of this sector because they don’t see role models or pathways for themselves. That’s a loss for the industry and for those individuals. We need to actively create inclusive environments where women can see themselves succeeding.”
At Sova Solar, Mukherjee has championed initiatives to hire and mentor women in technical roles, create flexible work arrangements that accommodate diverse needs, and foster a culture where merit – not gender – determines advancement.
“It’s not about lowering standards – it’s about removing artificial barriers,” she clarifies. “When you create genuine opportunities and supportive environments, talented people thrive regardless of their gender.”
The Power of Literature in Business
Mukherjee’s unconventional educational background has, paradoxically, become one of her greatest strengths in business leadership.
“Studying literature taught me to understand human motivation, read between the lines, and appreciate different perspectives,” she reflects. “Those skills are invaluable when you’re negotiating with suppliers, motivating teams, understanding customer needs, or navigating complex stakeholder relationships.”
She believes the business world – particularly in technical sectors – could benefit from more liberal arts perspectives. “We need engineers and technical experts, absolutely. But we also need people who can communicate vision, build culture, understand market narratives, and see connections that aren’t immediately obvious. That’s where diverse educational backgrounds add value.”
Her advice to young women considering careers in renewable energy or manufacturing? “Don’t self-select out because your degree isn’t ‘traditional’ for the field. If you’re passionate, curious, and willing to learn, there’s a place for you. Some of the most innovative leaders I know came from unexpected backgrounds.”
Balancing Vision and Execution
As a leader, Mukherjee describes herself as someone who balances strategic vision with operational pragmatism. “At Sova Solar, we’re not just manufacturing panels – we’re powering India’s sustainable future. That’s the big picture that drives us,” she says. “But you can’t achieve that vision without operational excellence, quality control, efficient supply chains, and teams that execute day after day.”
She’s particularly proud of how Sova Solar has maintained its commitment to quality while scaling production. “It would be easy to cut corners to hit volume targets or reduce costs. But our reputation is built on reliability. Every panel carries our name and our promise. That’s not something I take lightly.”
The Road Ahead: Powering a Sustainable Future
Looking ahead, Mukherjee sees tremendous opportunity for both Sova Solar and for women in the renewable energy sector. “India’s solar story is still in its early chapters. We’re going to see massive growth, technological advancement, and market evolution in the coming years. That creates opportunities for people willing to be part of this transformation.”
For women specifically, she’s optimistic about changing dynamics. “I’m seeing more women entering this field, more companies recognizing the value of diversity, and more conversations about inclusive leadership. It’s not where it needs to be yet, but we’re moving in the right direction.”
At Sova Solar, Mukherjee is focused on expanding manufacturing capacity, advancing product innovation, and building teams that reflect the diversity of the markets they serve. “We’re not just making products – we’re building a company culture, an industry presence, and hopefully, a model for inclusive leadership in manufacturing.”
A Message to Aspiring Women Leaders
When asked what advice she’d give to women considering careers in manufacturing, renewable energy, or technical fields, Mukherjee doesn’t hesitate.
“First, believe you belong. Don’t wait for permission or perfection. Second, find mentors – both men and women who will champion you and give you honest feedback. Third, never stop learning. I’ve had to learn about solar technology, manufacturing processes, supply chain management – none of which was in my formal education. But curiosity and commitment to learning bridge those gaps.”
She pauses, then adds: “And finally, lift as you climb. When you break barriers, create pathways for others. That’s how we change industries – one person, one opportunity, one inclusive decision at a time.”
Celebrating Success, Eyes on the Future
For an industry often defined by technical specifications and efficiency metrics, Shrilekha Mukherjee brings something equally valuable: a human-centered approach to leadership, a commitment to breaking barriers, and a vision of a more inclusive future for renewable energy in India.
In breaking the glass ceiling, she’s not just opening doors for herself – she’s lighting the way for countless others who will follow.
About Shrilekha Mukherjee
Shrilekha Mukherjee is the Chief Operations Officer at Sova Solar. A graduate of St. Xavier’s College (Autonomous), Kolkata with a degree in English Language and Literature, she brings an unconventional perspective to leadership in the renewable energy sector. A passionate advocate for sustainability, operational excellence, and women’s leadership in technology and manufacturing, Mukherjee is committed to building inclusive teams and powering India’s sustainable future.
About Sova Solar
Sova Solar is a leading solar panel manufacturer in India with over 18 years of experience in renewable energy. Operating state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities, the company produces advanced solar products including TOPCon panels, polycrystalline and monocrystalline panels, solar pumps, and integrated solar solutions. Committed to quality, innovation, and sustainability, Sova Solar serves customers across residential, commercial, and industrial segments throughout India.
