Government Engages Private Firms for Commercial Production of Innovative Solar Cells from IIT Bombay

The Indian government plans to involve private companies in producing affordable Silicon-Perovskite Tandem Solar Cells, developed at IIT Bombay. Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy, Pralhad Joshi, announced this initiative. He emphasised the potential of these cells to revolutionise India's solar energy landscape during his visit to IIT Bombay's National Centre for Photovoltaic Research and Education (NCPRE).

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Joshi highlighted that this development marks a significant achievement in India's solar technology sector. He stated, "This is a national milestone and one of the highest performance levels ever achieved in India and needs commercial production." The minister also visited various laboratories at IIT Bombay, including the Perovskite Tandem Solar Cell lab.

Private Sector Involvement in Solar Innovation

The startup Advanced Renewable Tandem-Photovoltaics India (ART-PV India), incubated at IIT Bombay, has created a 2-Terminal Monolithic Silicon/CdTe-Perovskite tandem solar cell. This cell boasts a conversion efficiency of 29.8 per cent. The NCPRE was established at IIT Bombay in 2010 with funding from the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) to support India's 100 GW solar mission.

Over the past 15 years, MNRE has contributed more than Rs 200 crore to NCPRE at IIT Bombay. Joshi mentioned that the government is now focusing on developing supportive policies and encouraging private sector participation for the commercial production of these low-cost solar cells.

Advancing India's Solar Leadership

Joshi believes that these innovative cells will position India as a leader in next-generation photovoltaics. He remarked, "At a time when the world is seeking efficient, affordable and scalable solar energy solutions, this innovation gives India a leadership edge." The potential efficiency of over 30 per cent surpasses traditional solar panels.

The minister stressed that investing in such innovations will reduce solar energy costs, making it more accessible. He described this breakthrough as not just limited to laboratory success but as a model for clean, scalable, and self-reliant energy production.

Future Prospects for Renewable Energy

Joshi further explained that India is not merely adopting renewable energy but shaping its future through research in perovskite solar cells, inverter technology, PV-reliability, green hydrogen, and energy storage. He encouraged the IIT Bombay-ART PV team to demonstrate that Perovskite Tandem Solar Cells are both scalable and profitable commercially.

This initiative aims to make India a global leader in solar technology by driving down costs and enhancing accessibility. The government's focus on innovation reflects its commitment to advancing renewable energy solutions.

With inputs from PTI