IIT-B’s ‘Gamechanger’ Tandem Solar Cells May Surpass 30% Efficiency

On Tuesday, Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy, Pralhad Joshi, praised a new solar technology developed at the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT-B) as a “gamechanger” for India’s solar energy future. 

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During his visit to the National Centre for Photovoltaic Research & Education (NCPRE), the minister toured several state-of-the-art facilities, including the Perovskite Tandem Solar Cell Lab, Silicon Fab Lab, and Medium Voltage Lab.

Record-Breaking Efficiency: 29.8 Percent

The innovation stems from a start-up incubated at IIT-B under the Advanced Renewable Tandem-Photovoltaics India (ART-PV India) programme. The team has developed a high-efficiency two-terminal tandem solar cell combining perovskite and silicon layers, achieving a power conversion efficiency of 29.8 percent, significantly higher than the current average of 20 percent.

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The technology has the potential to surpass the 30 percent mark, making it one of the most advanced solar cell technologies in India.

The semi-transparent perovskite layer stacked over traditional silicon forms a four-terminal (4T) tandem structure. This design is especially suited for India’s high-temperature conditions, ensuring both durability and enhanced energy output.

Apart from improving efficiency, the innovation could reduce the cost of solar electricity to around INR 1 per kilowatt-hour, compared to the current INR 2.5–4 per unit. 

Government Funding and Private Sector Push

Launched in 2010 at IIT Bombay, the National Centre for Photovoltaic Research & Education (NCPRE) was established with MNRE funding to support research, development, and training aligned with India’s 100 GW solar mission. Over the past 15 years, the ministry has invested more than INR 200 crore into NCPRE.

Union Minister Pralhad Joshi also announced MNRE’s support of USD 10 million (approximately INR 83 crore) for ART-PV India to set up a state-of-the-art pilot manufacturing facility on the IIT-B campus.

“Private investment is crucial for scaling such technologies,” said Joshi. “Some of the industry representatives present today have shown strong interest.”

Professor Dinesh Kabra, who heads the ART-PV team, highlighted that the current round of funding will enable them to scale the technology to commercial wafer-size formats. 

“After successfully forming a 4-terminal structure, we are now focusing on a 2-terminal version with the support of our manufacturing partner,” he said. 

This phase is also expected to pave the way for setting up a future pilot production line.

Stressing that India is no longer just adopting renewable technologies but is actively shaping the global renewable landscape, Joshi cited advancements in solar cell innovation, inverter design, green hydrogen, and energy storage as core focus areas.

“This innovation positions India as a global leader in next-generation photovoltaics,” Joshi said.

“By investing in such breakthroughs, we are making solar energy more affordable and accessible for every Indian.”