NIT Rourkela develops low-cost solar panel to extract maximum power under changing weather conditions

NEW DELHI: The National Institute of Technology (NIT) Rourkela has designed a low-cost technology to extract maximum power from solar panels under changing weather conditions. The developed model can be used in IoT devices, home solar systems, and off-grid energy solutions in remote areas, as per the official statement.

The innovation at the NIT Rourkela is supported by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) under the Clean Energy Research initiative (CERI). The research team has been granted a patent for the newly-developed model.

Susovon Samanta, associate professor, electrical engineering, NIT Rourkela, said: “Our method prevents small power fluctuations that older techniques struggle with, ensuring stable and efficient power extraction. It also responds quickly to changes in sunlight and temperature, allowing the system to consistently operate at peak efficiency. Additionally, by using only a voltage sensor or a simple resistor divider circuit, it reduces system complexity and cost. Its adaptable design enables integration into various solar power setups, making it a versatile solution for a wide range of applications”

The technology was developed by the NIT Rourkela research team that includes Samanta, Satabdi Bhattacharya, PhD holder, and Madhusmita Barik, dual degree student.

Recently, the technology institute also developed a machine learning technology to assess the groundwater quality for irrigation purposes. The developed model could be used across the country to evaluate groundwater stress for irrigation purposes.

Also read IIT Delhi partners with NRLDC to develop advance solutions for restoring power after blackout

How will the low-cost solar panel works?

Solar panels produce current from direct sunlight but the panels cannot keep generating the same amount of electricity throughout the day. Hence, they are equipped with the Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) system that helps solar panels produce most electricity possible by adjusting voltage and current based on direct sunlight, temperature changes, the institute said.

“Traditional MPPT methods can waste energy and respond slowly when weather conditions change. They also require expensive current sensors, making them less affordable for low-cost solar setups,” the institute added.

Therefore, to solve these issues, the research team at the institute has developed a voltage sensor-based MPPT method that removes the need for current sensors, reducing system complexity and cost. The new technology uses a voltage sensor or a resistor divider circuit to track the Maximum Power Point (MPP) more accurately while maintaining stable and efficient steady-state operation.