Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy, Shri Pralhad Joshi, recently inaugurated a new PV Module Testing and Calibration Lab at the National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE) in Gwal Pahari, Haryana. This new facility is seen as a significant step towards improving India’s solar energy capabilities and global competitiveness. During the event, Shri Joshi said that the lab would set global benchmarks in solar research and development, testing, training, and policy support. He noted that this new development would help India move closer to self-reliance and innovation in the renewable energy sector.
The Minister explained that the lab is equipped to provide complete testing, calibration, and certification services, particularly in areas where there are currently no set standards. This facility is expected to support the growing production of large photovoltaic modules in India and ensure they meet the highest quality requirements. The lab is also aligned with BIS standards and will play a key role in strengthening the government’s Production Linked Incentive scheme, which aims to boost domestic manufacturing.
Shri Joshi praised NISE for its contributions to training and innovation. He highlighted that NISE has already trained more than 55,000 Suryamitra technicians and installed over 300 solar air dryer-cum-space heating systems in Leh to help farmers dry apricots. He said these efforts show the institute’s commitment to enhancing technical capacity and encouraging collaboration between government bodies, industry players, and academic institutions. The new lab, he said, will help NISE raise its efficiency and research quality to match global standards.
The Minister also pointed out the rapid growth of India’s renewable energy sector under Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s leadership. He shared that India’s installed solar power capacity has increased dramatically from just 2.82 GW in 2014 to over 106 GW today. In the area of solar manufacturing, production has jumped from 2 GW in 2014 to 80 GW now, with a target of 150 GW by 2030. He also mentioned that India has reached 50 GW in wind energy capacity. These achievements, he said, are signs that the country is on the right path to meeting its 2030 goal of 500 GW of non-fossil fuel energy, including 292 GW from solar.
Shri Joshi encouraged NISE to reflect on the changes that have taken place in the last 11 years and push further in terms of global research and patent output. He spoke about the need for deep research, innovative thinking, and international cooperation. He said NISE should build strong partnerships, train new talent, and focus on advanced solar technologies like Perovskite Solar Cells and Bifacial Panels. He also recommended exploring new areas such as AI-based solar power forecasting, Building-Integrated Photovoltaics, and solar-powered electric vehicle charging stations.
The Minister also led a review meeting with key officials of the International Solar Alliance to discuss global progress in solar energy. On the same day, he participated in a tree plantation drive under the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign. This initiative, led by Prime Minister Modi, encourages people to plant trees in honor of their mothers and to support a greener future. On World Earth Day, Shri Joshi urged everyone to reaffirm their dedication to creating a more sustainable planet.
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