
- The National Centre for Photovoltaic Research and Education (NCPRE) at the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IITB) has developed a highly efficient solar cell called a perovskite solar cell (PSC).
- The PSC demonstrated an efficiency of over 26 percent, compared to around 22 percent for conventional solar cells.
- Perovskite solar cells convert light into electricity but have been unstable. Researchers have been trying to improve their efficiency by combining them with silicon cells.
- The NCPRE team successfully created a stable 4T tandem solar cell that combines perovskite and silicon, showing outstanding stability.
- The achievement of 26 percent efficiency by IIT Bombay is significant. Another group in Singapore achieved 24.35 percent efficiency for a smaller perovskite solar cell.
- When the cells are connected to form a solar panel, the overall efficiency decreases. The critical factor is the module efficiency under real-life conditions.
- Further research will determine the module efficiency of the NCPRE solar cell, but if it exceeds 20 percent, it would be significant news.
- Perovskite solar cells have come a long way since their development in 2009 when they had an efficiency of only 3.8 percent.

IIT-B develops perovskite solar cell with 26% efficiency.

As India moves towards adopting clean and renewable energy sources, solar power has taken center stage in this transition. One of the crucial components of a solar panel system is the solar inverter. This essential technology efficiently converts the direct current (DC) generated by solar panels into alternating current (AC) that can be utilized by Indian households and businesses. In this article, we will explore the vital role of solar inverters in solar panel systems, discuss their different types and functions, and provide examples from Indian companies.
The Role of Solar Inverters in India
Solar panels in India harness sunlight and convert it into DC electricity through the photovoltaic (PV) effect. However, Indian homes and businesses rely on AC power for their electrical needs. This is where solar inverters come into play. The primary function of a solar inverter is to convert the DC electricity produced by solar panels into usable AC power. Without a solar inverter, the PV system would be unable to supply the energy required to run appliances and devices in Indian households and businesses.
Types of Solar Inverters in India
1. String Inverters: String inverters are a popular choice for residential and small-scale commercial installations in India. Multiple solar panels are connected in series, forming a "string" that is then connected to a central inverter. This central inverter converts all the generated DC power from the string into AC power. For example, Indian companies like Tata Power Solar and Adani Solar utilize string inverters in their installations across the country.
2. Microinverters: In India, microinverters are installed directly at each panel instead of using a central inverter like string inverters. Each microinverter independently converts DC power from its respective panel into AC power. This individualized approach improves system efficiency and monitoring as it eliminates the impact of shading or soiled panels affecting an entire string. Indian companies like Waaree Energies and Loom Solar have embraced microinverters in their solar panel systems.
3. Power Optimizers: Power optimizers provide an intermediary solution between string inverters and microinverters in terms of functionality. In India, power optimizers optimize the DC voltage before sending it to a central inverter for conversion, rather than converting DC to AC themselves. This maximizes energy yield per panel without requiring an individual inverter for each panel. Indian companies like Vikram Solar and Hero Future Energies have integrated power optimizers into their solar panel installations.
4. Hybrid Inverters: In India, hybrid inverters offer a comprehensive solution that combines solar production and battery storage in one integrated system. These inverters allow users to maximize solar energy consumption and provide added resilience during power outages. Indian companies like Su-Kam Power Systems and Luminous Power Technologies manufacture and offer hybrid inverters to cater to the energy needs of Indian households and businesses.
Solar Inverter Efficiency in India
The efficiency of a solar inverter plays a critical role in determining the overall effectiveness of a solar panel system in India. Inverter efficiency, which typically ranges from 93% to 99%, indicates how well the device can convert DC power into AC without losing energy in the form of heat. Opting for high-efficiency inverters enables Indian solar panel systems to generate more usable energy, thus improving the return on investment for solar projects.
In conclusion, solar inverters play an invaluable role in any solar panel system in India. They are responsible for delivering functional power to Indian households and businesses by converting the DC electricity generated by solar panels into AC electricity. With various types and features available, it is essential to choose the right inverter for specific needs in order to maximize the benefits of India's solar energy journey.

Solar Inverters - Explained

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IIT-B develops perovskite solar cell with 26% efficiency.

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