Solar panels optimised for the Indian climate

Germany is one of the leading nations in the field of solar energy. In order to make optimal use of this knowledge for energy generation in India / South Asia, it makes sense to make adaptations to the special climate conditions. In a joint project, German and Indian partners developed a prototype panel with tracking mechanism including controls, which is especially adapted to the Indian climate.

Man with solar panels

A key piece of the equipment: The receiver by SCHOTT / © SCHOTT AG

The tracking and controls of the Compact Linear Fresnel Reflector (CLFR) mirrors contain intelligent error correction. A first prototype was implemented within the first project phase, which finished on 31 May 2015. Subsequently, a pilot system will be integrated into a running power station and used to generate preliminary heat. For this purpose, the German company SCHOTT has manufactured solar receiver tubes and integrated them into the pilot system. When planning the system, a minimisation of manufacturing costs was also taken into account. If the pilot system works successfully, the use of such systems in further power stations is realistic.

Exchange of know-how combined with site advertising

The project promotes a sustainable creation of contacts with scientists in India and uses the partners' know-how. At the same time, Germany is advertised as a location, which makes it easier to acquire qualified young scientists. The intensification of German-Indian industry contacts opens up further research cooperations in other funding programmes. German and Indian companies have a not inconsiderable interest in the implementation of the results.

Close cooperation between science and businesses

It is the particular aim of the Indo-German Science and Technology Centre (IGSTC) to expand the cooperation between German and Indian representatives of science and companies in "2+2" projects. This means research and development projects in which at least one German and one Indian research institution and at least one German and one Indian industry partner are involved. In this respect, the funding is aimed primarily at Applied Research. Ideally, the project will produce a prototype, which can be marketed later on. In addition, cooperation is encouraged between academic and industry partners, in a way that is not yet widespread in India. This will also contribute to strengthening the research activities of Indian industry.

Partner institutions

  • Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE, Freiburg
  • SCHOTT Solar CSP GmbH, Mainz
  • IIT Bombay
  • Thermax Ltd., Pune

The IGSTC and the DLR Project Management Agency managed funding of the project together.

Find out more about the Indo German Science and Technology Centre.