Rising electricity bills are a widespread issue, affecting households across all income groups.
Seasonal appliances such as air conditioners in summer and heating devices in winter significantly increase power usage.
New Indian Innovation Promises Sustainable and Affordable Solution to High Electricity Costs
A new Indian-developed technology may offer a sustainable and affordable solution to high electricity costs.
Researchers at IIT Bombay have created an advanced solar cell that can generate 25–30% more electricity than current solar technologies.
Standard solar panels convert around 20% of solar energy into electricity, while the new solar cells can reach up to 30% efficiency.
This innovation could reduce electricity prices from Rs 2.5–Rs 4 per unit to just Re 1 per unit.
Professor Dinesh Kabra and IIT Bombay Team Develop ‘Tandem Solar Cell’: How Does It Work?
The development is led by Professor Dinesh Kabra and his team at the National Centre for Photovoltaic Research and Education (NCPRE), IIT Bombay.
The team created a ‘Tandem Solar Cell’ that uses Halide Perovskite as the top layer for high light absorption, even in low-light conditions.
The bottom layer of the solar cell is made of silicon, which is already widely used in the solar industry.
This combination of materials results in significantly higher electricity output.
Unlike many other solar technologies, this innovation is entirely made in India using domestically available raw materials.
Previously, India relied heavily on imported solar materials, especially from China.
One major challenge with perovskite was its short lifespan, but the IIT Bombay team has now extended its durability to 10 years.
The commercial launch of the new solar cells is planned for December 2027.
The rollout will be carried out by ART-PV India Private Limited, a startup backed by IIT Bombay and the Maharashtra government.
All manufacturing and machinery will also be based within India.
Professor Kabra, who led the innovation, is also heading the startup managing the product’s market introduction.
The new technology is not limited to large-scale solar farms; it can also be used on household rooftops, building façades, and vehicles, among other applications.
This will make solar energy adoption more accessible and efficient for a wider range of users.
Both IIT Bombay and the Maharashtra government plan to use the technology for Green Hydrogen production, a key part of India’s clean energy strategy.
As India moves toward renewable and self-sufficient energy, the tandem solar cell innovation is expected to redefine electricity generation and consumption.
The goal is to make power more affordable, accessible, and sustainable for the nation.
