The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) and Power Roll have been working on flexible solar PV module applications for the Indian market since 2017.

Initially, market research was conducted on potential end-use applications for flexible solar PV systems. Flexible solar modules are the new generation solar PV modules without glass and aluminium frames.

Flexible Modules: An Edge Above Rigid Framed PV

These modules offer several advantages which include light weight, low installation and logistical cost, portability, and enhanced weather protection, among others.

Flexible modules weigh only about 23 per cent of conventional modules. The third-generation flexible technology could be produced at a very low cost compared to the conventional rigid framed PV and would be in the market at highly competitive prices disrupting the market. The lightweight, flexible and rollable sheets can be easily carried. No specialized equipment or tools are needed to handle modules during transport. The cost of bulk transport by sea, air, rail and roadways would be much lower than the conventional PV modules, either in weight or volume terms. The need for dedicated mounting structures could be eliminated, thus saving the costs. The modules can be mounted on any surface. The modules can be mounted on curved and flat surfaces on any type of roof construction. They can also be used as facades, adding aesthetic value while generating energy. Assembling and disassembling the modules from systems is easy. During extreme weather conditions, the flexible modules could be easily disconnected and stored, thus, minimizing the damage associated with such weather events. Flexible panels withstand higher impact than the rigid glass and framed modules.

One Module,Multiple Uses

Since 2018, TERI has been carrying out pilot studies on various applications catering to remote villages in Mukteshwar, Uttarakhand. 

Water pumping: In 2020, an off-grid solar water pumping system powered with ten 100 Wp flexible solar PV modules (arranged in the form of a mat) was installed to meet the irrigation requirement for around 50 farmers in Dadima village. The solar PV mat was installed on a roof constructed with stones and metal sheets. Access to affordable water for agricultural use has increased crop yield and improved the income level of farmers (as farmers produced cash crops such as fruits and pulses). This has enabled farmers to invest in a new storage tank with increased capacity, to mitigate seasonal variations in water level from natural spring and daily variability associated with solar PV.  The families accessing the water are happy as their hardships of bringing water from far-off places were avoided with continuous supply as the system is performing to their satisfaction.

Community radio station: TERI established a community radio station named ‘Kumaon Vani’ in March 2010 in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand to bring together communities across several villages in the Kumaon region. Various programmes broadcasted are designed to promote sustainable development among the local farming community. Since its establishment, the radio station has been run by local youth who have received in-depth training in all aspects of radio production and management. A solar PV microgrid powered with five 400 Wp flexible solar modules and lithium-ion batteries was installed in 2022 to provide backup power (in case of outages) and power all equipments such as the radio transmitter, audio systems, and computers, among other things.  Modules were directly installed over the metallic sheets over the roof. Uninterrupted power is supplied to the ‘Kumaon Vani’ station as the solar PV microgrid has been performing well. 

Model primary school: A solar PV microgrid powered with four 400 Wp flexible solar modules and lithium-ion batteries was installed at the Government Model Primary School at Buri Bana village in 2022. The solar PV modules were installed on a concrete roof. This system provides electricity for lighting, computers and smart TV. The school principal has given excellent feedback about the system and the students have benefitted. 

Animal husbandry: Nautali village did not have access to electricity due to its remote location (with lack of roads) and low population. The Indian Veterinary Research Institute has an animal husbandry facility providing shelter to cows residing in this village. This shelter house was used as a quarantine and treatment for the livestock, hence, they were isolated. The institute was started in 1895 by the British. The shelter house in Nautali village did not have access to the grid supply. In 2022, TERI installed a solar microgrid powered with four 400 Wp flexible modules (installed over the metallic sheets on the roof) and Lithium-ion batteries for catering to this facility in the village. The system has been performing well.

Future of Flexible Solar PV in Rural India

The results from these pilot installations over the past five years provide an immense opportunity to adopt flexible solar PV modules across various market segments in India. With the government’s push for local manufacturing and ambitious renewable energy targets to reach net zero, the adoption of this flexible solar PV technology could aid in better adoption of remote applications in rural India. 

This work was carried out with the research grant support of Innovate UK, the United Kingdom’s innovation agency. #

Kapil Muddineni works as Fellow at Electricity & Renewables division, TERI; N S Prasad works as Senior Fellow at TERI; Dr Mini Govindan works as Senior Fellow at Social Transformation & CSR division, TERI; Rashmi Murali works as Fellow at Social Transformation & CSR division,TERI; Paul Laidler works as Programme Management Lead at Power Roll Limited.