IIT Bombay’s Solar Breakthrough Promises 30% More Power at 20% Lower Cost

Mumbai, 26th May 2025: In a pioneering advancement in solar technology, researchers at IIT Bombay have developed a high-efficiency solar cell that could generate 30% more electricity while cutting setup costs by 20%. The innovation is being eyed for commercial use by December 2027, with support from the Maharashtra government and Art-PV India Pvt. Ltd., an initiative of the Society for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (SINE) at IIT Bombay.

The new technology involves stacking a semi-transparent perovskite solar cell (PSC) atop a conventional silicon-based solar cell, significantly boosting light absorption and power generation. A key challenge—the short lifespan of perovskite cells—has been addressed through research led by Prof. Dinesh Kabra at the National Centre for Photovoltaic Research and Education, where the life expectancy of PSCs has been extended to 10 years.

According to Chief Economic Advisor to the Chief Minister, Praveen Pardeshi, the innovation not only improves performance but also reduces India’s dependence on China for solar panel raw materials, as perovskite does not rely on restricted or monopolized inputs.

He added that state-run Mahagenco has been instructed to evaluate the commercial application of this technology. The layered design will also extend the lifespan of costly silicon cells by up to 20 years, making the solution more economically viable.

With commercial rollout targeted within two years, the research marks a significant leap toward affordable, high-efficiency solar energy in India. It also places IIT Bombay at the forefront of global clean energy innovation.