Solar efficiency, cost cuts vital for energy transition: Pralhad Joshi
POWER & RENEWABLE ENERGY

Solar efficiency, cost cuts vital for energy transition: Pralhad Joshi

Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy, Pralhad Joshi, emphasised the global focus on advancing solar technology to achieve significant cost reductions and efficiency gains during a conference on clean energy transition. As President of the International Solar Alliance (ISA), he remarked, “The world is united in the energy transition, harnessing global efforts.”

Joshi highlighted the need for more efficient solar technology, stating, “Traditional solar panels typically convert only 15-20% of sunlight to electricity, but innovations like bifacial panels and solar paint are increasing this rate.” He stressed that improving efficiency and reducing costs are essential to make solar energy affordable and accessible worldwide.

He also noted India’s progress, with solar tariffs dropping by 76% over the last decade. Tariffs for grid-connected solar plants have fallen from Rs 10.95 per unit in FY 2010-11 to Rs 2.60 in FY 2023-24, making solar energy more affordable for households and businesses.

Battery storage innovations were also discussed, with the minister underscoring their role in stabilising solar power supply. “Battery storage advancements allow excess energy to be stored for use on cloudy days or at night, enhancing grid reliability,” he stated.

Joshi outlined job creation potential within India's "PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana," projected to create 1.7 million jobs in installation, manufacturing, and maintenance. “Around 325,000 youth are being trained in rooftop solar installation, empowering them to contribute to the solar sector,” he said. He also discussed the government’s Rs 8 billion investment in model solar villages across districts, providing each village with Rs 10 million for rooftop solar systems, which will improve access to clean energy and support solar-powered lighting, water systems, and agricultural pumps in rural areas. (ET)

Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy, Pralhad Joshi, emphasised the global focus on advancing solar technology to achieve significant cost reductions and efficiency gains during a conference on clean energy transition. As President of the International Solar Alliance (ISA), he remarked, “The world is united in the energy transition, harnessing global efforts.” Joshi highlighted the need for more efficient solar technology, stating, “Traditional solar panels typically convert only 15-20% of sunlight to electricity, but innovations like bifacial panels and solar paint are increasing this rate.” He stressed that improving efficiency and reducing costs are essential to make solar energy affordable and accessible worldwide. He also noted India’s progress, with solar tariffs dropping by 76% over the last decade. Tariffs for grid-connected solar plants have fallen from Rs 10.95 per unit in FY 2010-11 to Rs 2.60 in FY 2023-24, making solar energy more affordable for households and businesses. Battery storage innovations were also discussed, with the minister underscoring their role in stabilising solar power supply. “Battery storage advancements allow excess energy to be stored for use on cloudy days or at night, enhancing grid reliability,” he stated. Joshi outlined job creation potential within India's PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, projected to create 1.7 million jobs in installation, manufacturing, and maintenance. “Around 325,000 youth are being trained in rooftop solar installation, empowering them to contribute to the solar sector,” he said. He also discussed the government’s Rs 8 billion investment in model solar villages across districts, providing each village with Rs 10 million for rooftop solar systems, which will improve access to clean energy and support solar-powered lighting, water systems, and agricultural pumps in rural areas. (ET)

Next Story
Resources

Skyview by Empyrean is Making Benchmarks in the Indian Ropeway Industry

FIL Industries Private Limited, the parent company of Empyrean Skyview Projects that pioneered ropeway mobility solutions in India with Jammu’s Skyview Gondola, is currently developing the Dehradun-Mussoorie ropeway and is on track to complete Phase I by September 2026. The ropeway is set to be India’s longest passenger aerial monocable covering 5.8 km between the foothills of Dehradun in Purkulgam and MDDA taxi stand in the hills of Mussoorie in just under 20 minutes. The firm pioneered green mobility solutions in India with the development of the flagship Skyview Gondola in Jam..

Next Story
Technology

Creativity is for Humans, Productivity is for Robots!

On most construction sites, the rhythm of progress is measured by the clang of steel, the hum of machinery and the sweat of thousands. But increasingly, new sounds are entering the mix: the quiet efficiency of algorithms, the hum of drones overhead, and the precision of robotic arms at work. Behind the concrete and cables, an invisible force is taking hold: data. It is turning blueprints into living simulations, managing fleets of machines, and helping engineers make decisions before a single brick is laid. This is not the construction of tomorrow; it is the architecture of today – built on ..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Bhartiya Urban Unveils ‘Bhartiya Converge’ GCC Enablement Platform

Bhartiya Urban has launched Bhartiya Converge, its latest business venture designed to become India’s premier platform for enabling Global Capability Centres (GCCs). The initiative offers an integrated ecosystem aimed at helping global clients gain a competitive edge in today’s rapidly evolving business environment. Focused on enhancing turnaround time and operational efficiencies, the company seeks to deliver better business outcomes powered by top-tier talent. Bhartiya Converge presents a customised and integrated suite of microservices that addresses the nuanced and evolving operational..

Advertisement

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?