The Indian government is planning to involve the private sector in the commercial production of the innovative low-cost Silicon-Perovskite Tandem Solar Cells developed at IIT Bombay, Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy Pralhad Joshi announced in Mumbai on Tuesday, reported news agency PTI.
Minister Joshi, speaking after visiting the Perovskite Tandem Solar Cell Lab, Silicon Fab Laboratory, and Medium Voltage Laboratory at the National Centre for Photovoltaic Research and Education (NCPRE) at the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, stated that these new cells are poised to be a “game-changer” for India’s solar energy future.
“This is a national milestone and one of the highest performance levels ever achieved in India and needs commercial production,” the minister told reporters.
Significantly, Advanced Renewable Tandem-Photovoltaics India (ART-PV India), an IIT Bombay-incubated startup, has successfully developed a 2-Terminal Monolithic Silicon/CdTe-Perovskite tandem solar cell boasting an impressive conversion efficiency of 29.8 per cent.
According to PTI, the NCPRE was established at IIT Bombay in 2010 with funding from the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE). Its primary objectives include providing research and development (R&D) and educational support for India’s ambitious 100 GW solar mission.
Minister Joshi highlighted that the MNRE has provided over Rs 200 crore in funding to NCPRE, IIT Bombay, over the past 15 years.
He added, “Now we are looking at developing supporting policies and bringing in private sector participation for the commercial production of low-cost Silicon-Perovskite Tandem Solar Cells,” reported PTI.
Joshi reiterated that these cells will be a “game-changer” for India’s solar energy landscape, further stating, “At a time when the world is seeking efficient, affordable and scalable solar energy solutions, this innovation gives India a leadership edge.”
He noted the potential for these cells to achieve over 30 per cent efficiency, significantly surpassing conventional solar panels, which could position India as a global leader in next-generation photovoltaics. By investing in such innovations, the government aims to drive down the cost of solar energy, making it more accessible to everyone.
This breakthrough is not merely a lab-scale achievement but represents a “blueprint for clean, scalable, and Aatmanirbhar energy production,” Joshi asserted, as reported by PTI.
The minister concluded by stating that India is not just adopting renewable energy but actively shaping its future through ongoing research in perovskite solar cells, inverter technology, PV reliability, green hydrogen, and energy storage.
He urged the IIT Bombay–ART PV team to commercially demonstrate that Perovskite Tandem Solar Cells are not only scalable but also profitable.
(With inputs from PTI)
