India’s journey toward achieving its ambitious target of 500 GW of renewable energy by 2030 has gained significant momentum with a major scientific breakthrough from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee. A research team led by Prof. Soumitra Satapathi has successfully developed silicon-perovskite tandem solar cells with a record 30% power conversion efficiency (PCE)—a substantial leap from the ~24% efficiency of conventional silicon-based modules.
For over four decades, crystalline silicon (c-Si) solar cells have dominated the global photovoltaic market. However, their efficiency is approaching its theoretical ceiling. In this context, India’s dependence on imported solar modules and the high energy demands of silicon production underscore the need for indigenous innovation.
By combining the maturity of silicon technology with the tunability of perovskite materials, silicon-perovskite tandem cells are now emerging as the most commercially viable solution for delivering next-generation, high-efficiency, and cost-effective solar power.
Leading the innovation is Prof. Soumitra Satapathi, widely known as the “Solar Man of India” for his early work on Jamun-based low-cost solar cells. His team has engineered four-terminal tandem solar cells by pairing a wide-bandgap perovskite top cell (~1.8 eV) with a silicon bottom cell. This layered architecture enables complementary light absorption, propelling efficiency levels to 30%, with the potential to reach 35%.
Prof. Satapathi is a noted materials scientist and sustainability advocate, with numerous high-impact publications, patents, and accolades to his name. He is recognized both nationally and internationally for his contributions to solar research and clean energy.
The IIT Roorkee team is now working on scaling this breakthrough for commercial production using slot-die coating, a technique suitable for manufacturing G12 and G12R wafer-sized perovskite mini-modules. Their goal is to develop large-area tandem solar prototypes capable of achieving 32% efficiency in full-sized modules within the next year. Such progress could firmly establish India as a leader in global tandem photovoltaic (PV) innovation.
To facilitate the commercialization of this technology, the team has launched Perovskite Innovation Pvt. Ltd., a startup focused on advancing silicon-perovskite tandem solar solutions. The venture aligns with the Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India missions, aiming to reduce reliance on imports, drive local manufacturing, and contribute to India’s green economic growth.
Commenting on the development, Prof. Satapathi said: “Our Silicon-Perovskite Tandem Solar Cells have the potential to transform India’s renewable energy landscape. By pushing efficiency beyond global benchmarks and ensuring indigenous development, we are not just building solar panels—we are building India’s energy independence.”
India’s solar energy journey is evolving beyond capacity expansion. The focus is now on technological leadership, innovation-driven exports, and climate responsibility. IIT Roorkee’s breakthrough marks a crucial step toward energy self-reliance, and positions India to take a leading role in the future of clean energy innovation worldwide.
