Reliable and effective solar cells and photovoltaic (PV) modules are required for the widespread adoption of related technology in India, it has been asserted by Dr Farooq Abdullah, union minister of new and renewable energy.

His comments came as he announced the development of three more research and development facilities at the Solar Energy Centre and Dr Abdullah added that this was needed in order for India to lead the way in the development of solar power.

The country wants to take the lead with solar cell research and development because of its potential - some parts of India have more than 300 days of sunshine and over 1,800 kilowatt hours per sq m per year insolation.

By 2022, it is hoped that India will contribute 20,000 megawatts of grid solar power, 20 million sq m of solar thermal collectors and 2,000 megawatts of off-grid solar applications.

"The [Solar Energy Centre] works on long-term performance evaluation of different technology PV modules to determine module life times [and] expected degradation or failure rates through testing under actual field conditions," the government said.

Naresh Pal Gangwar, chairman and managing director of Rajasthan Renewable Energy Corporation, previously told the Times of India that it has received up to 90 proposals to set up solar power ventures.

 

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