Latest news with #DineshKabra
Time of India
6 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Govt to invite private investors for IIT-B solar power centre
Mumbai: The high-efficiency, low-cost Silicon-Perovskite Tandem solar cells developed at IIT-Bombay is a game-changer for the country's solar energy future, said union minister Pralhad Joshi during his visit to the institute on Monday. While the ministry for new and renewable energy (MNRE) has so far provided Rs 200 crore to IIT-Bombay's National Centre for Photovoltaic Research and Education (NCPRE) for research and development in solar cells, power electronics and batteries, among other things, the govt now plans to rope in private investors to scale the technology commercially. Researchers at the IIT-Bombay-incubated start-up, Advanced Renewable Tandem-Photovoltaics India (ART-PV India), in a major breakthrough, have developed the Silicon-Perovskite solar cells with a power conversion efficiency of almost 30%, surpassing the usual 22-23% achieved in conventional solar photovoltaic cells. "This is a national milestone and one of the highest performance levels ever achieved in India and needs commercial production," the minister said during a media interaction. The technology has been patented and published in a journal, and there is optimism about scaling it up for commercial use, he added. The new solar cell follows a four-terminal configuration, where the perovskite and silicon layers are stacked non-monolithically, allowing the independent optimisation of each sub-cell. The top-layer of perovskite absorbs the high-energy sunlight, and the rest is absorbed by the silicon layer, helping in increased efficiency of the cell. You Can Also Check: Mumbai AQI | Weather in Mumbai | Bank Holidays in Mumbai | Public Holidays in Mumbai Prof Dinesh Kabra from IIT-Bombay, co-founder and director of ART-PV, said that the NCPRE was set up in 2010 and since then the union govt has provided grants in three phases totalling up to Rs 200 crore. Kabra said that the meeting on Tuesday was centered around scaling the technology through public-private partnerships and that the team is keen on using indigenous equipment, that are manufactured locally, in their laboratories. The ART-PV is planning the commercial roll out by Dec 2027. The MNRE is also supporting ART-PV India with a grant of Rs 83 crore for establishing a state-of-the-art pilot manufacturing facility on the Powai campus, in line with the commitment to nurturing domestic intellectual property, and ensuring Indian innovation reaches global markets. The ministry will continue to provide policy and financial support to ensure India's renewable energy sector thrives on innovation and self-reliance, said Joshi. He urged the ART-PV team to commercially demonstrate the fact that these solar cells are not only scalable but also profitable. He mentioned the need for policy decisions to encourage private sector involvement and faster commercialisation of such technologies.
News18
26-05-2025
- Business
- News18
Electricity At Just Re 1/Unit? IIT-Bombay's Solar Breakthrough Could Slash Your Power Bills
Last Updated: IIT Bombay has developed a new solar cell tech that boosts power output by 30% and may cut electricity costs to Re 1/unit. It is set for rollout by 2027 Rising electricity bills have become a universal concern, affecting households across all income levels. During summer, appliances like air conditioners and refrigerators drive up power consumption, while in winter, heating needs take their toll. Now, a revolutionary technology developed in India may offer a sustainable and cost-effective solution. A Breakthrough In Solar Energy Researchers at IIT Bombay have developed an advanced solar cell capable of generating 25–30% more electricity than conventional technologies. While standard solar panels typically convert around 20% of solar energy into electricity, this new technology can achieve up to 30% efficiency. Crucially, this also reduces electricity costs, potentially bringing them down from Rs 2.5 – Rs 4 per unit to just Re 1 per unit. The Tandem Solar Cell Innovation As reported by The Indian Express, this advancement is led by Professor Dinesh Kabra and his team at the National Centre for Photovoltaic Research and Education (NCPRE) at IIT Bombay. The team has developed a 'Tandem Solar Cell' that utilises Halide Perovskite in the top layer, known for its high light absorption, even in low light. The bottom layer is composed of silicon, a material already widely used in the solar industry. This powerful combination results in significantly greater electricity output. The Maharashtra government and IIT Bombay-backed startup ART-PV India Private Limited plan to bring the new solar cells to market by December 2027. All machinery and manufacturing will also be based in India. Professor Kabra, the scientist behind the innovation, also leads the startup overseeing the rollout. The technology will not be limited to large solar farms. It can be installed on household rooftops, building façades, vehicles, and more, making solar adoption more accessible and efficient. Furthermore, both IIT Bombay and the Maharashtra government aim to use this breakthrough to produce Green Hydrogen, a clean fuel vital to India's long-term energy goals. As India pushes towards renewable and self-reliant energy, innovations like IIT Bombay's tandem solar cell are poised to redefine how the nation generates and consumes power, making electricity more affordable, accessible, and sustainable. First Published: May 26, 2025, 13:39 IST
