Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay has achieved a significant milestone in solar energy technology that was reached by the researchers. They developed a high-efficiency tandem solar cell, which is a novel method that includes both perovskite and silicon materials as well as a power conversion efficiency of about 30% in the 4T configuration, thus significantly outperforming 20% of the efficiency of mainstream silicon-based solar cells.
Definition of the 4T Tandem Solar Cell
The structure of the 4T tandem solar cell that was introduced by IIT Bombay is realized by stacking the halide perovskite solar cell that is semi-transparent over the traditional silicon-based solar cell. The proposed design makes it possible for each sub-cell to operate and thus to give an individual light absorption and energy conversion across the solar light spectrum was the general impression of most if not ongoing researchers in the field of energy if put in the world medical that perovskite material is the one that is extremely photogenic and on top of that can be used at a cheaper price than others.
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Perovskites have been widely studied for their high light-harvesting behavior and low-cost processing, but their operational life was limited. The team based in IIT Bombay, which is led by Professor Dinesh Kabra at the National Centre for Photovoltaic Research & Education (NCPRE) addressed this by making the perovskite layer more durable with a life of up to ten years.
Advantages over traditional solar cells
- Higher Efficiency: By double-sided design, the power conversion efficiency is 25–30% higher than that of ordinary silicon cells.
- Cost Saving: Enhanced efficiency translates into lower production costs for domestically manufactured solar energy, which is expected to drive down the price from the current ₹2.5–4 per unit to ₹1/kWh.
- Improved Longevity: With the 4T configuration, even if the perovskite layer wears down, that can be replaced without disturbing the silicon cell below, which extends the total life of the solar panel.
- Operational Stability: The tandem cells operate well in heat and low light, making them ideal for a range of climates.
Commercialization and impact strategy
The commercialization of this technology is being led by ART-PV India Private Limited. Ltd, a startup incubated at IIT Bombay's Society for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (SINE). Banking on the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) support, ART-PV India’s project was selected for a $10 million grant to set up a manufacturing facility for these high-efficiency tandem solar cells.
The new initiative is being pushed by the Maharashtra government, using its think tank, MITRA (Maharashtra Institution for Transformation). A 300-megawatt pilot project is being planned for Uran, which will produce clean energy as well as green hydrogen with the new solar technology.
Less Attachment to Imports
This will help in decreasing India’s dependence on imported raw materials for making solar panels. Locally available chemicals can be utilized in the preparation of perovskite materials and reducing the import reliance, especially from the China Future Prospects market.
The breakthroughs made by IIT Bombay in tandem solar cell technology can be key to highly efficient and low-cost solar power. With a road map for upscaling and inclusion of this technology in the pipeline of massive projects, India is already in a position to step into strides with its agenda under the National Solar Mission and commitment to making net zero emission by 2070.
This will not only drive down the cost of solar but also increase its efficiency and make India an even bigger leader in both global renewable energy and fighting climate change.
