IIT Delhi launches PG diploma in solar systems and management at Sonipat campus

The Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IIT Delhi) has commenced its first academic programme at its Sonipat campus — the Postgraduate Diploma in Solar Systems and Management. The one-year programme began today, September 3, 2026, with an inaugural batch of nine international fellows from eight countries.

The programme is being conducted by IIT Delhi’s Department of Energy Science and Engineering (DESE) in collaboration with the International Solar Alliance (ISA) and INES - Institut National de l'Energie Solaire, France. The programme is sponsored by the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO).

The PG Diploma is designed as a hands-on training programme for ISA-nominated fellows. Participants will receive training from experts from academia and industry as part of the one-year course.

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IIT Delhi PG Diploma to train solar energy professionals

According to IIT Delhi, the programme aims to build capacity in solar technology and applications across ISA member countries. After completing the PG Diploma, the fellows will undertake a one-month internship in Europe focused on applied solar technologies.

They will then be assigned to Solar Technology Application Resource Centres (STAR-C) in their respective home countries.

STAR-C centres support ISA member countries by providing skills, infrastructure and an innovation ecosystem to accelerate solar energy deployment. They also aim to strengthen institutions, create green jobs and support sustainable economic growth.

Ramesh Narayanan, Head, Department of Energy Science and Engineering, IIT Delhi, said the programme will help strengthen energy education and management globally.

Narayanan said, “With this initiative, IIT Delhi has moved to the global forefront of energy education and management. The programme will train international participants from over 120 ISA countries as trainers in Solar Technology and Application Resource Centres (STAR-C) in ISA member countries.”

First physical teaching programme at IIT Delhi Sonipat campus

The launch also marks the beginning of the first teaching programme with physical classes at the IIT Delhi Sonipat campus.

Somnath Baidya Roy, Professor-in-Charge, IIT Delhi Sonipat campus, said, “This is a milestone as the first teaching programme with physical classes at the Sonipat campus of the Institute. We are planning more such programmes in the coming years.”

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IIT Delhi, ISA collaboration on renewable energy

The PG Diploma programme follows a Framework for Action (FFA) formalised between IIT Delhi and the ISA earlier this year. The framework focuses on strengthening cooperation in renewable energy, particularly in capacity building, academic collaboration and human resource development across ISA member countries.

Through the new programme, IIT Delhi and its partners aim to prepare trained professionals who can support the expansion and adoption of solar technologies in their respective countries.