Mapping of India’s Capability in Emerging Areas of Solar Energy Research

Abstract

Estimated potential of solar energy in India is nearly 20,000 times more than the presently installed capacity of 137600 MW of electricity (as on 2005). Higher cost per unit is one of the limiting factors in harnessing the full potential of solar energy. A practical option to reduce cost is technological switch over in solar cell material from silicon to new low cost and more efficient materials like Cadmium Telluride (CdTe) and Galium Arsenide (GaAs). In terms of research publications, India is in a better position than countries like China, France in these two areas. India needs to capitalize and convert research findings into products to remain ahead of others in the area of low cost solar energy.

Keywords: Solar Energy, Renewable energy, Silicon, Cadmium Telluride, Galium Arsenide