IIT Bombay Develops New Solar Cell Tech That Could Lower Electricity Costs; Here’s How
Researchers at IIT Bombay have achieved a remarkable feat in the field of solar energy by developing a high-efficiency tandem solar cell. This breakthrough is poised to be more effective than conventional solar technology, offering a promising solution to combat rising electricity bills driven by energy-intensive appliances like air conditioners and heaters.
Led by Professor Dinesh Kabra at the National Center for Photovoltaic Research and Education (NCPRE), the research team at IIT Bombay has engineered a ‘tandem solar cell’. This innovative design incorporates halide perovskite in the top layer, enabling it to absorb more light effectively, even in low-light conditions. The bottom layer consists of silicon, a material widely used in the solar industry, which significantly enhances power output.
The newly developed solar cell boasts the capability to generate 25-30% more electricity compared to traditional solar technologies. While conventional solar panels typically convert around 20% of solar energy into electricity, this cutting-edge technology aims to achieve an efficiency of up to 30%. This substantial increase in efficiency is projected to drastically reduce electricity costs, potentially lowering the expense per unit from ₹2.5-₹4 to approximately ₹1.
One of the key highlights of this breakthrough technology is its entirely Indian-made composition, with all raw materials sourced domestically. Historically, India relied heavily on imports, primarily from China, for materials used in solar panel production. A significant challenge faced in harnessing perovskite was its limited durability. However, the IIT Bombay team has surpassed this hurdle, extending the lifespan of the material to 10 years — a significant milestone in solar technology development.
The Maharashtra government, in collaboration with ART-PV India Pvt Ltd, an IIT Bombay-backed startup, has committed to launching these advanced solar cells by December 2027. All manufacturing operations and machinery will be based in India, with Professor Dinesh Kabra helming the innovative startup and supervising the rollout of this technology.
This pioneering technology is not confined to just large-scale solar farms. It is versatile enough to be installed on rooftops, building facades, and even integrated into vehicles, which potentially increases the accessibility and efficiency of solar energy for a broader range of applications.
In addition to its potential impact on electricity cost reduction, IIT Bombay and the Maharashtra government have set ambitious goals for this advancement to contribute to the production of green hydrogen. By harnessing this clean fuel, India aims to meet its long-term energy objectives and further solidify its commitment to sustainable and renewable energy sources.
The development of this high-efficiency tandem solar cell by IIT Bombay is a promising leap forward in renewable energy technology, signaling a future where electricity costs are reduced and energy sustainability is enhanced.
