CSMCRI tastes success in enhancing power output of solarpanels

Ahmedabad, Feb 14 (PTI) Bhavnagar-based Central Saltand Marine Chemicals and Research Institute (CSMCRI) hassuccessfully scaled up power output of conventional siliconsolar panels by nearly 50 per cent, so as to bring down theeffective cost of energy generation.

"Through strategic usage of reflectors we have managedto raise power output of conventional silicon solar panels byabout 50 per cent. During the peak hours say between 12.00 to1.00 power output gets doubled with reflectors, while over theday its up nearly by fifty per cent," CSMCRI Director DrPushpito Ghosh told PTI.

The technology has potential to bring down effectivecost of per kilowatt of electrical energy generation fromsolar panels by about 30 per cent, he claimed.

"The feat was achieved by retrofitting photo voltaicpanel units. The units were fitted with reflectors to enhancethe power output without tinkering the panel," Ghosh said.

"Usage of reflectors to enhance power output of panelshas been demonstrated by research institutes of countries likeSpain and Israel, but none have been able to scale them up forcommercial applications," he said.

The institute has initiated the process of getting thetechnology patented.

"We have filed patent application for the technology inIndia and shall also be later on filing international patentsfor it," Ghosh said.

Solar power generation is an expensive preposition due tohigh capital investment costs. The supply to solar grid is atRs 16 per unit as per the power purchase agreement signed withthe government, which can now possibly get lowered, industrysources said. (More) PTI VKB PD DK DK