How Excel CoolCoat is Making Life Cooler in India

“It’s like living in an oven,” lamented a resident of Chennai, India, describing the unbearable heat that envelops their home during the sweltering summer months. With temperatures often soaring above 40°C, many parts of India experience intense heat that seeps into every corner of the house, making daily life a struggle. However, innovative solutions are on the horizon, and Excel Coatings is leading the charge in transforming lives in low-income households across India.

A Nation Battling the Heat

India’s climate is as diverse as its culture, but scorching summer months are a shared reality for millions. With urban areas experiencing “heat island” effects, and rural communities often lacking adequate shelter, many households find themselves facing insufferable indoor temperatures. A staggering 110 million housing units are projected to be needed in India by 2030, with 80-90% of the demand stemming from the low-income segment, which often cannot afford cooling solutions such as air-conditioning. On top of that, the World Bank estimates that by 2030, over 200 million people in India will be exposed to heatwaves, posing significant health risks and leading to the loss of 34 million jobs (source).

While government subsidy programs have addressed some of the housing needs, the vast majority of homes remain without affordable and sustainable cooling solutions—creating a significant gap that the coating products manufacturer Excel Coatings aims to fill with its products.

“Our aim is to help families live more comfortably without relying on expensive air conditioning, while prioritizing thermal comfort,” states the Director of Excel Coatings, Mr. Vidhyaprakash. This commitment is not just a business strategy; it’s a mission for this family-owned company that is committed to enhancing the quality of life for countless individuals. “During summer, when it’s 35 to 40 degrees [Celcius] outside, the temperature inside can shoot up to 45 to 50 degrees if the roof isn’t insulated. Without a heat-reflective coating, the house absorbs the sun’s energy, turning a home into an oven. Not only does it lead to health issues and discomfort, but even running an air conditioner won’t help much unless it’s on for hours, drastically increasing electricity bills,” says the Director.

The Excel CoolCoat Advantage

 So, what exactly is Excel CoolCoat? It is a heat reflective coating, popularly known as cool roof paint - a low cost and simple yet powerful climate adaptation solution that lowers indoor temperatures. Cool roof paints are designed to reflect sunlight and absorb less heat compared to traditional roofing material leading to reduction in indoor temperature. 

How It Works

1. Temperature control: Uncoated rooms can reach a sweltering 45-50°C when outdoor temperatures hover around 40°C. In contrast, coated rooms maintain a significantly cooler 39-41°C – on par with outdoor temperatures – providing a crucial 9°C reduction in extreme heat areas like Rajasthan.

2. Cost-effective: The total cost to coat a typical low-income household (about 300-325 square feet) ranges from 4,500 to 5,000 rupees (approx. 43 to 54 EUR), with a lifespan of 5-7 years. In comparison, installing an air conditioning unit can cost around 30,000 rupees, plus ongoing electricity expenses of 2,000 to 3,000 rupees per month. The return on investment for the Excel CoolCoat is about 12-14 months, meaning that over the lifespan of the roof families are able to enjoy cooler homes at significantly lower costs.

3. Sustainable solution: Unlike traditional air conditioning systems that contribute to CO2 emissions, Excel’s coating is an eco-friendly, passive cooling alternative.

4. Ease of application: Excel CoolCoat is user-friendly, allowing non-professionals to apply it easily. Compatible with both concrete and sheet metal roofs, the product’s versatility ensures it fits various housing structures, which is particularly valuable for the often poorly ventilated homes in low-income neighborhoods.

Excel Coatings has also partnered with Habitat for Humanity’s Terwilliger Center for Innovation in Shelter (TCIS) supported by Hilti Foundation to expand the reach of its innovative cooling solutions. This collaboration has helped the company connect with underserved low-income families, ensuring that products like Excel CoolCoat are accessible to those who need them most. Through the support of TCIS, Excel Coatings has been able to implement effective marketing strategies and pilot projects, showcasing how affordable and sustainable solutions can transform homes and lives across India.

Excel CoolCoat is more than just a product; it’s a lifeline for millions of families battling the relentless heat of Indian summers. By offering a cost-effective, sustainable, and easy-to-apply solution, Excel Coatings is helping households stay cooler, healthier, and more comfortable without the financial burden of traditional cooling methods.

Read more about how this innovative product is transforming the lives of real families across India in these articles.

If you’d like to see the faces behind the stories—families and communities whose lives have been changed—and learn how TCIS played a pivotal role in boosting Excel CoolCoat’s mission, the articles such as Transforming Lives with Cool Roofs. Real Stories from India and Excel CoolCoat: A Game-Changer for Heat-Stricken Families are a must-read.