India's Funding for Solar Research

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), under the leadership of Union Minister Pralhad Joshi, has significantly invested in India's solar research and development (R&D) sector, particularly through the National Centre for Photovoltaic Research and Education (NCPRE) at IIT Bombay. Over the past 15 years, MNRE has allocated more than ₹200 crore to support solar R&D initiatives aimed at achieving India's target of generating 100 GW of solar energy.

Key Developments and Investments:

• The NCPRE was established in 2010 with the support of MNRE to facilitate R&D and education aligned with India’s ambitious solar mission.
• During a visit on July 15, 2025, Minister Joshi highlighted significant advancements in technology, especially the development of Silicon-Perovskite Tandem Solar Cells, which hold promise for making India a leader in next-generation photovoltaics.
• The IIT Bombay-incubated startup, Advanced Renewable Tandem-Photovoltaics India (ART-PV India), has achieved noteworthy success with a 2-Terminal Monolithic Silicon/CdTe-Perovskite tandem solar cell, displaying a conversion efficiency of 29.8%.

Policy and Funding:

• The MNRE will continue to provide support to ART-PV India with a funding of $10 million (approximately ₹83 crore) to set up a pilot manufacturing facility within the IIT-B campus.
• The intent behind the funding emphasizes nurturing domestic intellectual property and enabling Indian innovations to target global markets.
• In addition, MNRE is dedicated to backing the Research Development and Innovation (RDI) Scheme, which has recently received approval from the Union Cabinet, with Gross Expenditure on Research and Development (GERD) budgeted at ₹1.27 lakh crore.

Technological and Economic Implications:

• The advancements in high-efficiency, low-cost Silicon-Perovskite Tandem Solar cells are expected to develop more than 30% efficiency, thereby exceeding conventional solar panels' performance.
• This technology is poised to transform the solar energy landscape, making solar power more viable and accessible for broader populations within India.
• Joshi emphasized the importance of transitioning lab innovations to commercial viability and urged the IIT Bombay and ART PV teams to ensure that Perovskite Tandem Solar Cells can be scaled profitably.

Strategic Vision:

• The Minister described the ongoing innovations as crucial in not only driving down the cost of solar energy but also establishing India as a formidable global clean energy hub.
• Through investment in renewable energy research, India is not merely adopting renewable resources but actively shaping its future in the energy sector, focusing on varied areas such as perovskite solar cells, inverter technology, photovoltaic reliability, green hydrogen, and energy storage systems.

Summary Points:

• MNRE has invested over ₹200 crore in NCPRE at IIT Bombay over 15 years.
• The focus is on solar R&D to achieve the 100 GW solar energy target.
• Key technology developed includes a tandem solar cell with 29.8% efficiency.
• Financial support of $10 million is provided to ART-PV India for manufacturing initiatives.
• The RDI Scheme was recently approved with a budget for R&D set at ₹1.27 lakh crore.
• The goal is to enhance solar efficiency and establish India as a leader in clean energy innovation.

This commitment underscores the strategic direction towards fostering research and innovation within India's renewable energy sector, with potential implications for economic growth and sustainability.