Powering the Future: India’s Rise in Perovskite-Silicon Tandem Solar Cells
- TheGreen Bein
- Apr 11
- 2 min read
As India accelerates toward its renewable energy targets, a next-gen solar innovation is gaining traction—perovskite-silicon tandem solar cells. These hybrid cells promise efficiencies of 28–30%, far surpassing the 20–22% ceiling of conventional silicon panels. With multiple Indian institutions and startups working toward commercial viability, this could be a game-changer for solar adoption across industries and smart infrastructure.
🧪 What Makes Perovskite-Silicon Tandems Solar Cells So Powerful?
Perovskite materials—named for their unique crystalline structure—absorb high-energy photons, while silicon handles the lower-energy part of the spectrum. Stacking these layers creates a “tandem” cell that significantly improves energy conversion.
Research shows theoretical efficiency limits of up to 43%, and experimental tandem cells have already breached 29% under lab conditions. That’s why global clean-tech eyes—including India’s—are on this innovation.
🇮🇳 Indian Innovators Pushing the Boundaries
1. IIT Roorkee & Perovskite Innovation Pvt Ltd
In 2024, a team led by Prof. Soumitra Satapathi developed a 4-terminal tandem cell achieving 28% efficiency.
Their startup, Perovskite Innovation Pvt Ltd, is now working on scaling the technology using Slot-Die coating, targeting M10 silicon cell dimensions (18.2 cm × 18.2 cm).
Commercial availability is expected around late 2025 to early 2026, initially targeting EPCs and module integrators looking for high-efficiency applications.
Source: pv-magazine.com
2. P3C Technology and Solutions Pvt Ltd (IIT BHU)
Founded in 2019 by Dr. Vikas Sharma, P3C is developing semi-transparent perovskite cells for BIPV (building-integrated photovoltaics).
Current prototypes report ~20% efficiency, and pre-commercial modules are under beta testing with commercial real estate partners.
Mass manufacturing is targeted for mid-2026, with production partnerships underway with a Tier-1 silicon manufacturer.
Source: pv-magazine.com
3. ART-PV India (IIT Bombay)
Spearheaded by Dr. Ajay Ray, ART-PV has produced a 2-terminal silicon-CdTe-perovskite tandem cell with 29.8% lab-tested efficiency.
A $10M fabrication facility is under construction at IIT Bombay, with joint ventures involving First Solar and Waaree Energies.
Pilot modules may hit the market as early as Q4 2025, with installations in solar research parks and private industrial testbeds.
Source: perovskite-info.com
Current Installations & Market Readiness
As of April 2025, commercial-scale installations using perovskite-silicon tandem cells remain limited to pilot projects and academic demonstration units. These include:
Rooftop demo installations at IIT Roorkee, IIT BHU, and TERI field stations.
Urban window-integrated modules at Delhi NCR green building labs.
Collaboration-based field testing with MNRE and SECI.
While large-scale rooftop or utility installations are still a year or two away, India is building a supply-chain ecosystem to support future rollout—especially as domestic manufacturing is incentivized under schemes like PLI (Production Linked Incentive).
The Road Ahead: What to Expect in 2025–2026
Late 2025: Pilot modules and small installations
Mid to late 2026: Early commercial adoption in B2B sectors—tech parks, commercial rooftops, and eco-buildings
2027 onward: Entry into residential, utility, and export-grade projects
As India aims to install 500 GW of non-fossil fuel energy capacity by 2030, perovskite-silicon tandem cells may become the efficiency catalyst it needs.
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