India has taken a big step towards becoming self-reliant in solar technology. Researchers at IIT Delhi have developed a new type of solar cell called Silicon Heterojunction (SHJ) with more than 23% efficiency in electricity generation.
This solar cell has been made by the Solar Photovoltaics Group of the Energy Science and Engineering Department at IIT Delhi. The team used only India-based tools and materials for this development.
Currently, most of the world depends on silicon-based solar cells to meet clean energy goals. Around 95% of the world’s solar systems use this cell type. SHJ cells work better in high temperatures, absorb light from both sides, and produce more electricity. They are also made using a simple and low-temperature process, which may reduce costs in the future.
Professor Vamsi Krishna Komarala, who led the research, said that India currently uses third-generation solar panels. But this new SHJ solar cell is from the fifth generation. His team built small one-inch panels in the lab. These had a fill factor of 81% and a voltage of 735 mV, which is very good for their size.
Even though India is still behind international standards, this technology has been made for the first time in the country. It took almost 10 years to reach this stage. The team is now working on larger 6×6-inch cells. Once they move to industry-level production, performance is expected to improve.
This project was developed under the Solar Challenge Award Scheme of the Ministry of Science and Technology with ₹12 crore funding. IIT Delhi beat other top institutions like IIT Mumbai and IIT Madras in this achievement. The solar cells may also be used in vehicles in the future.
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