Authors :
Vinay Kumar
Volume/Issue :
Volume 10 - 2025, Issue 4 - April
Google Scholar :
https://tinyurl.com/mv6hf529
Scribd :
https://tinyurl.com/4ca369pa
DOI :
https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/25apr731
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Abstract :
Solar photovoltaic (PV) technology has become one of the major players in the global transition to renewable
energy sources. While solar PV materials have improved in efficiency, lingering issues connected to the cost of materials,
energy conversion, sustainability, and integration to existing energy infrastructure remain. This paper discusses the
current efficiencies of solar photovoltaic materials, looking at some of the different types of materials that are used in PV
such as silicon-based, thin film, organic and perovskite materials. It therefore goes on to critically analyse the efficiency
rates of these materials and explore the technological advances that have resulted in higher efficiency solar energy
harvesting.
While important progress has been made, at least six barriers remain for the widespread adoption of solar PV
technology, including manufacturing limitations, economics, recycling issues, and the challenge of energy storage. To
overcome these challenges, Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS), which encompass indigenous knowledge systems and
provide valuable insights into sustainability, energy conservation, and enlisting natural materials, can be integrated into
modern architecture and design. Based on ancient Indian science and tradition, the paper emphasizes the role of IKS in
improving the efficiency and sustainability of PV technologies to close the gap between science and tradition.
The combination of IKS with the latest in solar PV technologies will enable the country to increase its potential in
harnessing solar energy while giving rise to ecologically sustainable solutions that would be suited for Indian soil. The
paper ends by a note on prospects of solar PV materials, where they highlight that the future of solar energy needs to
engage all branches of science and technology and prove partnership between traditional knowledge and modern
innovations.
Keywords :
High Efficiency Solar Photovoltaic Materials, Ancient Knowledge Systems (IKS), Sustainable Materials, Renewable Energy.
References :
- Kumar, V., (2024). Integrating Fuzzy Logic with AI for Real-Time Efficiency Optimization in Solar Cells: A Simulation-Based Analysis. Journal of Computational Analysis and Applications, Vol.-33, No.-06, 860-869
- Kumar, V., & Kumar, S., (2024). Enhancing Solar Photovoltaic Cell Efficiency: A Comparative Analysis of Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Techniques. Vol. 02 Issue: 05 May 2024 Page No: 1303 – 1310. https://doi.org/10.47392/IRJAEH.2024.0180
- Kumar, V., (2025) Assessment of Energy Conversion Efficiency in Solar Cells: A Photovoltaic Performance Characterization Study. Vol. 03, No.-02. 203-211. https://doi.org/10.47392/IRJAEM.2025.0034
- Al-Naib, I., & Al-Maadeed, M. (2020). Perovskite solar cells: Materials, devices, and applications. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 119, 109576. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2020.109576
- Wang, Y., Li, X., & Zhang, Y. (2020). Recent developments in organic photovoltaics: Materials, devices, and perspectives. Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells, 211, 110511. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.solmat.2020.110511
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- Ríos, S., & Carretero, J. (2020). The influence of traditional knowledge in sustainability: How indigenous wisdom can contribute to modern scientific challenges. Environmental Sustainability, 12(4), 52-63. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envsci.2020.04.021
- Sharma, S., & Soni, R. (2019). Sustainability in renewable energy: Exploring the potential of integrating Indian traditional knowledge systems with modern science. International Journal of Sustainable Energy, 38(3), 243-258. https://doi.org/10.1080/14786451.2018.1559397
- Bawa, K. S., & Kothari, A. (Eds.). (2020). Traditional ecological knowledge and the conservation of biodiversity: Insights from India. Springer Nature. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-33356-6
- Gadgil, M., & Guha, R. (1992). This fissured land: An ecological history of India. Oxford University Press.
- Shukla, S. (2018). Indian philosophy and sustainable development: Perspectives from the Vedic and Upanishadic texts. Routledge.
- Dube, S. (2017). Indian knowledge systems in the context of sustainability and environmental management. In R. Rajagopalan & A. Gupta (Eds.), Sustainable Development in India: Practices and Challenges (pp. 115-129). Cambridge University Press.
- Vasant, S. (2019). Reviving ancient wisdom: A glimpse into Indian knowledge systems and sustainable technologies. Sage Publications.
- International Energy Agency (IEA). (2021). World Energy Outlook 2021: Solar PV technologies and future trends. IEA. https://www.iea.org/reports/world-energy-outlook-2021
- National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). (2020). Solar Photovoltaics: Market trends and cost-effective innovations. NREL. https://www.nrel.gov/docs/fy21osti/78118.pdf
- International Solar Alliance (ISA). (2020). Global Solar Energy Market Report 2020: Analysis and trends in solar photovoltaic technologies. ISA. https://www.isolaralliance.org
- Soni, R., & Kaur, P. (2020). Case study of solar energy adoption in India: Challenges and solutions. Energy Policy, 138, 111319. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enpol.2019.111319
- Mishra, R., & Kumar, S. (2019). Exploring the role of solar PV in India’s renewable energy sector: Case studies from rural areas. Renewable Energy Review, 52(6), 49-64. https://doi.org/10.1080/19388006.2019.1642853
- Ramesh, B., & Sundararajan, V. (2020). Traditional knowledge and modern science: A case study of passive solar architecture in India. International Journal of Environmental Sustainability, 7(2), 135-146. https://doi.org/10.1080/21577594.2020.1784532
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- Thakur, S., & Kapoor, S. (2019). Energy efficiency through traditional Indian techniques: Case study of sustainable construction. Journal of Green Building and Sustainable Technologies, 13(4), 85-98. https://doi.org/10.1080/20421338.2019.1680137
- Sharma, A., & Verma, S. (2020). Exploring the synergy between modern and traditional solar technologies in India: Case study on community solar projects. Energy for Sustainable Development, 56, 125-133. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.esd.2020.07.010
Solar photovoltaic (PV) technology has become one of the major players in the global transition to renewable
energy sources. While solar PV materials have improved in efficiency, lingering issues connected to the cost of materials,
energy conversion, sustainability, and integration to existing energy infrastructure remain. This paper discusses the
current efficiencies of solar photovoltaic materials, looking at some of the different types of materials that are used in PV
such as silicon-based, thin film, organic and perovskite materials. It therefore goes on to critically analyse the efficiency
rates of these materials and explore the technological advances that have resulted in higher efficiency solar energy
harvesting.
While important progress has been made, at least six barriers remain for the widespread adoption of solar PV
technology, including manufacturing limitations, economics, recycling issues, and the challenge of energy storage. To
overcome these challenges, Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS), which encompass indigenous knowledge systems and
provide valuable insights into sustainability, energy conservation, and enlisting natural materials, can be integrated into
modern architecture and design. Based on ancient Indian science and tradition, the paper emphasizes the role of IKS in
improving the efficiency and sustainability of PV technologies to close the gap between science and tradition.
The combination of IKS with the latest in solar PV technologies will enable the country to increase its potential in
harnessing solar energy while giving rise to ecologically sustainable solutions that would be suited for Indian soil. The
paper ends by a note on prospects of solar PV materials, where they highlight that the future of solar energy needs to
engage all branches of science and technology and prove partnership between traditional knowledge and modern
innovations.
Keywords :
High Efficiency Solar Photovoltaic Materials, Ancient Knowledge Systems (IKS), Sustainable Materials, Renewable Energy.