Mumbai: Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy Pralhad Joshi on Tuesday called India’s advancements in Silicon-Perovskite Tandem Solar Cell technology a “game-changer” for the country’s solar energy future. He was speaking after a visit to the National Centre for Photovoltaic Research and Education (NCPRE) at IIT Bombay, where he reviewed cutting-edge research and held discussions with scientists and advisory board members.
“MNRE is proud to support NCPRE’s pioneering work in high-efficiency, low-cost Silicon-Perovskite Tandem Solar Cells,” Joshi said, according to a statement issued by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE). “This is not just a lab-scale breakthrough; it is a blueprint for clean, scalable, and Aatmanirbhar (self-reliant) energy production,” he said.
During the visit, Joshi toured NCPRE’s advanced labs, including its Perovskite Tandem Solar Cell lab, and interacted with researchers from IIT-Bombay-incubated startup Advanced Renewable Tandem-Photovoltaics India (ART-PV India). The startup has developed a 4-terminal Silicon/CdTe-Perovskite tandem solar cell with a conversion efficiency of 29.8 percent — a national record and among the highest performance levels achieved in India.
The technology has the potential to exceed 30 percent efficiency, far surpassing conventional silicon solar panels. “At a time when the world is seeking efficient, affordable, and scalable solar energy solutions, this innovation gives India a leadership edge,” Joshi said.
To accelerate commercialisation, MNRE is supporting ART-PV India with USD 10 million (approximately Rs 83 crore) to establish a pilot manufacturing facility on the IIT Bombay campus. This, Joshi said, reflects the government’s commitment to turning Indian research into global benchmarks.
He urged the ART-PV India team to demonstrate that Perovskite Tandem Solar Cells are “not only scalable but also profitable.” The initiative aligns with the Central government’s broader goal of strengthening the country’s clean energy innovation ecosystem under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat mission.
NCPRE was launched at IIT Bombay in 2010 with funding from MNRE to support India’s then-ambitious 100 GW solar mission. Over the past 15 years, the ministry has provided over Rs 200 crore in support to the centre. Joshi said this long-term investment in public-funded research — coupled with robust policy support — is enabling India to reduce reliance on imported technologies and build a strong domestic manufacturing base.
Joshi highlighted that MNRE is supporting cutting-edge work through schemes like Renewable Energy Research & Technology Development (RE-RTD) and R&D funding grants. He also noted the Union Cabinet’s recent approval of the Rs 1.27 lakh crore Research Development and Innovation (RDI) Scheme to boost India’s gross expenditure on R&D (GERD).
“The Ministry is committed to ensuring India leads in clean energy innovation. Through sustained R&D investment and strong institutional partnerships, we are defining the global future of renewables — not just adopting it,” Joshi said.
The event was attended by IIT Bombay Director Prof Shireesh Kedare, NCPRE Principal Investigator Prof Baylon G Fernandes, and ART-PV India co-founder Prof Dinesh Kabra.