Technology and R&D

India is in mission mode on researching different aspects of the hydrogen economy, including hydrogen production, storage and utilization for stationary, power generation and transport applications. The need is to demonstrate the scaled versions at a faster rate. 

The Solar Mapper uses artificial intelligence algorithms that compile data extracted from satellite images. It can estimate site solar potential and indicate the most suitable technology.

The 18-meter long solar cell-clad trailer is said to enable fuel savings of 5-10% in Sweden. Swedish thin-film manufacturer Midsummer is a partner on the project.

The U.S. based researchers have developed a new wide-bandgap perovskite layer – called Apex Flex – which they claim is able to withstand heat, light, and operational tests, and at the same time provide a reliable and high voltage. With this material, they built tandem solar cells with 23.1% power conversion efficiency on a rigid substrate, and 21.3% on flexible plastic.

Power Minister RK Singh has revealed interest from manufacturers in developing more production lines even before incentive schemes being drawn up by the government are taken into account.

Policymakers could amend solar auctions to encourage manufacturing as the nation chases an aggressive solar target of 300 GW by 2030.

Belgian researchers are testing agrivoltaic power generation in a pear orchard. The first pilot project features specially designed 185 W solar panels with transparent backsheets, conventional silicon cells, and a 21% efficiency rate.

Swiss-based SmartHelio claims to have witnessed a near 200% jump in demand for its deep-data driven solar asset management solution, which plugs into solar panels or energy storage systems. Sales of the internet-of-things enabled, cloud product have leapt in the last six months.

Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IIT Kanpur) have developed 12×12 cm2 (active area 108 cm2) sub-modules from organic solar PV cells on a paper substrate that could be used to power flexible electronic devices under an indoor lighting environment. The modules are said to deliver a power density of up to 12 µW/cm2 under illumination from a 1000-lux cool‐white light-emitting diode.

The innovators will be required to showcase their technologies in real field conditions. The shortlisted ones will be empanelled and allocated sites to install solar pumps under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evem Utthan Mahabhiyan (PM KUSUM) Scheme.