Latest news with #NationalInstituteofSolarEnergy
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Science
- Yahoo
Researchers make incredible breakthrough that could transform future water heaters: 'Cost-effective solution'
As part of the ongoing transition from dirty energy and its financial and environmental burdens, researchers from the National Institute of Technology Kurukshetra and National Institute of Solar Energy designed a solar geyser system that uses sand to store heat and heat water. Since sand maintains an excellent capacity for heat storage, the team achieved promising results, as exemplified by the change in the sand's temperature: over 200 degrees Fahrenheit in a single day, per Interesting Engineering. By converting electricity from solar panels into thermal energy via a nichrome wire heating rod, they established the blueprint of their fine sand-based solar geyser, by which they could channel heat into sand for storage and later into water. The primary goal, however, was driving down the energy costs of water heating. Published in the journal Energy Sources, the study reported an approximately 25-year lifespan for the design and an energy cost of about $0.0233 per kilowatt-hour, making the FSG a successful jumping-off point. "The FSG system offers a sustainable, environmentally friendly, and cost-effective solution for water heating by storing thermal energy in fine sand, overcoming the intermittency of solar radiation," researcher Dinesh Kumar Saini explained. Conventional water heaters run on fuel, typically natural gas, the combustion of which releases carbon pollution that contributes to the overheating of the planet. Even electric water heaters aren't necessarily the most eco-friendly, though they can be, depending on whether the electricity is generated by fuel-based power plants or a cleaner power alternative. Fortunately, finding other ways to heat water may be just what is needed to put a dent in the carbon pollution problem. While there is a plethora of Earth-heating emission sources, ranging from industrial to residential settings, every little swap makes a difference, helping offset the creeping reverberations of the changing climate, such as supercharged weather events and food shortages. The FSG's reliance on solar panels rather than any fuel-based energy source makes it refreshingly pollution-free and showcases an inventive way to maximize the unsung potential of solar power, the ultimate cost-effective clean energy solution. Though this solar geyser technology is still in the works — currently more of a draft than a final model — you can still take advantage of solar innovations by installing solar panels for your home, using EnergySage to bring your installation costs down by up to $10,000 and your long-term energy costs near zero. If you're looking for a more gradual solar investment, LightReach promotes clean energy accessibility by leasing solar panels at no cost upfront. Join our free newsletter for weekly updates on the latest innovations improving our lives and shaping our future, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Time of India
22-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
MNRE launches ₹2.3 cr Start-Up Challenge to accelerate rooftop solar and distributed energy innovation
NEW DELHI: In a major push to catalyze innovation in India's clean energy sector, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has launched the Innovative Projects Start-Up Challenge with a total prize pool of ₹2.3 crore. The initiative aims to discover cutting-edge solutions to scale up rooftop solar (RTS) and distributed renewable energy (DRE) technologies across the country, according to an official release on Saturday. The challenge was formally announced during the National Conference on Skill Development for the Renewable Energy Workforce, held at Atal Akshay Urja Bhawan in the capital. It is being implemented with support from the National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE) and coordinated through the StartUp India platform under DPIIT. Four Key Focus Areas for Innovation The Start-Up Challenge invites applications from Indian innovators and start-ups across four mission-critical categories: Affordability: Innovations that make rooftop solar more accessible to low- and middle-income households through modular systems, circular economy practices, and novel financing models. Resilience: Technologies that improve grid stability, enhance cybersecurity, and ensure climate resilience, especially for remote and vulnerable communities. Inclusivity: Community-based models like virtual net metering and inclusive financing to widen solar access in underserved regions. Environmental Sustainability : Eco-friendly approaches such as solar panel recycling, land-neutral deployments, and hybrid renewable systems. Start-ups from diverse sectors including green tech, IoT, AI, blockchain, energy hardware, fintech, and waste management are encouraged to apply. Prize Money and Incubation Support Winners of the challenge stand to gain significant financial and institutional support: 1st Prize: ₹1 crore2nd Prize: ₹50 lakh3rd Prize: ₹30 lakh10 Consolation Prizes: ₹5 lakh each In addition to the monetary awards, selected participants will receive incubation support, pilot implementation opportunities, and mentorship from domain experts and investors. Challenge Timeline Application Deadline: August 20, 2025 Results Announcement: September 10, 2025 Apply via: Startup India Portal Driving India's Energy Transition The ministry said this initiative reflects MNRE's continued commitment to building a robust innovation ecosystem for India's clean energy future. By fostering scalable, inclusive, and sustainable solutions, the government aims to make rooftop solar and DRE mainstream components of India's renewable energy mix, it added.
Hans India
09-05-2025
- Business
- Hans India
India surpasses Germany to become world's 3rd-largest producer of wind, solar energy
New Delhi: India is now the world's third-largest producer of wind and solar energy, surpassing Germany, Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy, Pralhad Joshi, said on Friday, adding that the country's solar power installed capacity reached 107.95 GW in April this year, from 82.64 GW in the same month last year, which is a 30.7 per cent growth. With 10 per cent of the global share, India's clean energy capacity continues to grow significantly under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the minister posted on X social media platform, adding that it is "a step closer to a sustainable future". Also, the installed capacity of wind energy stood at 51.06 GW last month, from 46.16 GW in April 2024 -- a 10.6 per cent growth. "Total renewable energy (non-fossil fuel) has reached 231.81 GW installed capacity in April, from 199.86 GW in April 2024 which is a 16 per cent annual increase," the Union Minister informed. India is at the forefront of global energy transition and solar power alone has grown over 30 times in the last decade, as the country achieved renewable energy targets of 2030 eight years ahead of schedule. The country achieved its 2030 renewable energy target of 200 GW in 2022 itself — eight years ahead of schedule. Last month, Joshi inaugurated the PV Module Testing and Calibration Lab at the National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE) at Gwal Pahari in Haryana on the outskirts of the national capital. He termed the lab a pioneering facility for India and further highlighted that as Indian companies scale up the production of large modules, this lab will ensure that products meet the highest quality standards. In terms of manufacturing, solar module production has increased from 2 GW in 2014 to 80 GW, with a target of reaching 150 GW by 2030. Alongside solar progress, the minister also underscored the achievement of 50 GW in wind energy capacity. Emphasising the government's ambitious targets, Joshi said that India is firmly on track to achieve the 500 GW non-fossil fuel energy target by 2030, including 292 GW of solar energy, as envisioned by the Prime Minister.
The Print
22-04-2025
- Business
- The Print
In talks with states for signing PPAs of 40 GW RE capacity: Pralhad Joshi
'We are targeting 50 GW of RE capacity annually to meet the 500 GW target by 2030 , which of course includes 292 GW of solar energy', Joshi told reporters on the sidelines of inauguration of solar PV module testing facility at National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE) here. Gurugram, Apr 22 (PTI) Union Minister Pralhad Joshi on Tuesday said 40 GW of renewable energy (RE) can soon come online as talks are on with states for signing power purchase agreements (PPAs). The New & Renewable Energy Minister said peak power demand will double in 2032 from the present levels. The peak power demand touched an all-time high of 250 GW in May 2024. The power ministry has estimated 270 GW peak power demand during this summer. Joshi said India needs to create innovative solutions to maximize solar energy generation from available land resources. The minister also called for use of innovative solutions for using building materials like glass to generate solar energy from limited space available like in high-rise buildings. He said talks are on with states to sign PPAs for 40 GW RE projects. Joshi also said that 12 lakh households have installed rooftop solar under Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana. Earlier, speaking on the occasion, the minister said that India has already achieve 106GW of solar and 51GW of wind energy generation capacity. He stressed on the need for having solar electric vehicle charging stations in the country saying that presently EVs are being charged by conventional energy. Joshi opined that EVs should be charged by green energy. He noted that with this lab, NISE is now empowered to offer comprehensive testing, calibration, and certification services, especially for photovoltaic modules and technologies where no established standards currently exist. That makes this a pioneering facility in India, he said. As Indian companies scale up production of large modules, this facility will ensure that Indian products meet the highest standards, he noted. He pointed out that this lab will give a major boost to India's PLI scheme, and to the country's ambition of becoming a global manufacturing hub. 'Back in March 2014, our installed solar capacity was just 2.82 GW. Today, we have crossed 106 GW, which is a growth of over 3,700 per cent. We had just 2 GW of solar module production in 2014. Today, we have soared to 80 GW. And by 2030, we are confident to reach 150 GW,' he said. He stated that NISE must strive to become a global institution of excellence. Its work should reflect the ambition, innovation, and resilience of New India. 'We want NISE to become a benchmark in solar R&D, testing, training, and policy support. In fact, I believe NISE should aspire to surpass even the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems in Germany.' Today, he noted that NISE lags behind in global research impact and patent generation. 'I urge you to step up efforts in this journey demands deep research, cutting-edge innovation, and global collaboration. So I say to NISE: Build partnerships. Develop talent. Push boundaries. Let your work echo across labs, factories, and solar farms worldwide.' Joshi noted that NISE is already working on new-age solar technologies like: Perovskite Solar Cells (High-efficiency, low-cost solar cells with flexible applications) and Bifacial Solar Panels (Capture sunlight on both sides to increase energy generation). Going forward, he suggested that it should also undertake initiative for mass adoption of initiatives like AI for Solar Power Forecasting – It will help optimise solar energy production and grid integration through AI. About the Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV), he stated that he has been reading how other countries are integrating solar cells into building materials for energy-efficient urban structures. He suggested that NISE can help India enhance its scale and scope. PTI KKS ANU This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.
Time of India
22-04-2025
- Business
- Time of India
In talks with states for signing PPAs of 40 GW RE capacity: Pralhad Joshi
Union Minister Pralhad Joshi on Tuesday said 40 GW of renewable energy (RE) can soon come online as talks are on with states for signing power purchase agreements (PPAs). "We are targeting 50 GW of RE capacity annually to meet the 500 GW target by 2030 , which of course includes 292 GW of solar energy", Joshi told reporters on the sidelines of inauguration of solar PV module testing facility at National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE) here. India added 29.52 GW RE capacity in 2024-25. The New & Renewable Energy Minister said peak power demand will double in 2032 from the present levels. The peak power demand touched an all-time high of 250 GW in May 2024. The power ministry has estimated 270 GW peak power demand during this summer. Joshi said India needs to create innovative solutions to maximize solar energy generation from available land resources. Live Events The minister also called for use of innovative solutions for using building materials like glass to generate solar energy from limited space available like in high-rise buildings. He said talks are on with states to sign PPAs for 40 GW RE projects. Joshi also said that 12 lakh households have installed rooftop solar under Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana. Earlier, speaking on the occasion, the minister said that India has already achieve 106GW of solar and 51GW of wind energy generation capacity. He stressed on the need for having solar electric vehicle charging stations in the country saying that presently EVs are being charged by conventional energy. Joshi opined that EVs should be charged by green energy. He noted that with this lab, NISE is now empowered to offer comprehensive testing, calibration, and certification services, especially for photovoltaic modules and technologies where no established standards currently exist. That makes this a pioneering facility in India, he said. As Indian companies scale up production of large modules, this facility will ensure that Indian products meet the highest standards, he noted. He pointed out that this lab will give a major boost to India's PLI scheme, and to the country's ambition of becoming a global manufacturing hub. "Back in March 2014, our installed solar capacity was just 2.82 GW. Today, we have crossed 106 GW, which is a growth of over 3,700 per cent. We had just 2 GW of solar module production in 2014. Today, we have soared to 80 GW. And by 2030, we are confident to reach 150 GW," he said. He stated that NISE must strive to become a global institution of excellence. Its work should reflect the ambition, innovation, and resilience of New India. "We want NISE to become a benchmark in solar R&D, testing, training, and policy support. In fact, I believe NISE should aspire to surpass even the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems in Germany." Today, he noted that NISE lags behind in global research impact and patent generation. "I urge you to step up efforts in this journey demands deep research, cutting-edge innovation, and global collaboration. So I say to NISE: Build partnerships. Develop talent. Push boundaries. Let your work echo across labs, factories, and solar farms worldwide." Joshi noted that NISE is already working on new-age solar technologies like: Perovskite Solar Cells (High-efficiency, low-cost solar cells with flexible applications) and Bifacial Solar Panels (Capture sunlight on both sides to increase energy generation). Going forward, he suggested that it should also undertake initiative for mass adoption of initiatives like AI for Solar Power Forecasting - It will help optimise solar energy production and grid integration through AI. About the Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV), he stated that he has been reading how other countries are integrating solar cells into building materials for energy-efficient urban structures. He suggested that NISE can help India enhance its scale and scope.
