Paytm Rolls Out Solar-Powered Soundbox For Merchants

Fintech major Paytm has launched solar-powered soundbox for merchants, which can be charged quickly in minimal sunlight. 

The Vijay Shekhar Sharma-led company claims it to be India’s first solar soundbox and will be effective in reducing the electricity costs for small shop owners and other users.

“This innovative device requires minimal sunlight for a quick charge that provides full-day power, enabling uninterrupted payments and reliable, consistent service for India’s small shop owners and merchants,” the company said in an exchange filing. 

The soundbox is aimed at facilitating merchants in rural and remote areas with electricity shortages, it said.

With a solar panel on top, the soundbox can auto-charge under the Sun. Besides solar power, it can also be charged with electricity. The company claims that if the soundbox is completely discharged then also it will only need 2-3 hours of sun exposure to get completely charged. 

“It features the Paytm QR code that customers can scan to make UPI and Rupay Credit Card payments via UPI,” it added. 

The company has specifically rolled out this device for small merchants, including hawkers, cart vendors, artisans, craft sellers, flower sellers, street vendors among others. 

“We are committed to empowering India’s small merchants with technology that makes mobile payments seamless and accessible. The Paytm Solar Soundbox is a testament to our commitment to innovation, sustainability, and financial inclusion,” said Sharma. 

The filing also mentioned that the device offers high-quality audio payment confirmation through a 3-watt speaker. It supports audio notifications in 11 languages, catering to a diverse range of merchants and customers across India.

The development comes after the company last year launched an upgraded soundbox device to facilitate payments by tapping a debit or credit card or scanning a QR code. The NFC (near field communication) card soundbox accepts digital payments through scanning QR codes from a user’s phone as well as tapping the bank cards.

A couple of days ago, Sharma said that the company is on track to deliver profit in the next quarter (Q1 FY26) as per the management’s guidance. 

In its Q3 FY25 earnings call, Paytm Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Madhur Deora said that the company is expecting to turn profitable on an adjusted EBITDA basis in one or two quarters.