Under the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) of the Government of India, the National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE) is an independent specialised institute tasked with research and development, solar component testing and certification, capacity building, and the creation of solar products and applications. The technical assistance provided by NISE supplements the MNRE’s requirements to enable the country to become self-sufficient in producing renewable energy and to overcome various obstacles that arise during the National Solar Mission’s (NSM) implementation.
NISE has made a name for itself in the solar energy industry by consistently creating newer technologies, creating standards, and adapting to the shifting demands of the market. Additionally, NISE hopes to collaborate closely with the Indian government in order to accelerate the growth of the renewable energy sector.
NISE’s Vision
The vision of NISE is to become one of the world’s most prestigious and influential institutes for solar energy referrals by means of resource assessment, research and development, and the design, development, and demonstration of solar energy technologies for a range of applications. The areas of focus include Testing, Certification, and Standardisation; Monitoring and Evaluation; Economics and Policy Planning; Human Resource Development; and thriving partnerships with both national and international organisations.
The primary goals are as follows: (i) To act as the National Research Organisation for conducting research and development projects on different aspects of solar energy technologies and/or sponsoring them; (ii) To act as the premier organisation for testing, certification, developing specifications, and standards; and (iii) To develop skilled labour and provide solar energy technology consulting services.
NISE is located in Gwal Pahari, Haryana, on the Gurugram-Faridabad Road. The institute is connected by broad, open roads. The closest airport is roughly 22 km away, the New Delhi Railway station is 30 km away, and MNRE is 25 km away. Through commuter facilities located outside its grounds, the institute offers continuous road connectivity services.
In order to maximise the use of solar energy, the campus is beautifully landscaped with lush vegetation and features research and development projects like Swajal, a 1.0 MW solar thermal power plant, 500 kWp solar photovoltaic power plant, 150 kWp solar rooftop photovoltaic power plant, and 120 kWp solar photovoltaic power plant for hydrogen facilities. Aditya Bhawan and Surya Bhawan, two energy-efficient buildings on campus, feature conference rooms, seminar rooms, committee rooms, guest houses, and a library.
Modern conveniences such as projectors and sound systems, along with seating for over 150 people, are installed in the halls and rooms. The library contains over 3000 books, magazines, newspapers, international and national journals and conference papers, and the most recent updates to standards. The NISE website provides easy access to the e-online library portal, which facilitates authorization and bookings. The International Solar Alliance (ISA) Secretariat, the Administrative Department, and the Skill Development Division are also housed at Surya Bhawan.
Built using solar passive architecture as its design concept, the Aditya Bhawan of NISE is a technical block that houses ‘state-of-the-art’ testing facilities, labs, workshops, and an R&D cell. Aditya Bhawan is home to NISE’s top-notch, fully furnished testing facilities as well as its R&D rooms. On campus are also solar radiation data centres equipped with the necessary machinery for gathering data on solar radiation in real time.
Trainers, employees, and foreign delegates can stay at NISE’s guest house, which has cafeterias in both buildings to provide them with delectable meals. The NISE campus features a main gate with an ATM and on-site facilities like a playing field, gyms, indoor games, yoga halls, etc.
NISE’s primary role is to act as a technical hub for topics pertaining to solar energy. NISE is dedicated to giving its all in all solar energy-related endeavours and to consistently offering support and direction while maintaining a high calibre of work. NISE acknowledges the pace of advancement and keeps track of the major shifts that the solar industry is experiencing. The following are NISE’s focus areas for knowledge exploration and contribution in this field.
(i) To work increasingly in frontline areas that transcend discipline. The following thrust areas form part of this effort:
- Research and Development in Solar Photovoltaic and Solar thermal systems.
- Solar Resources Assessment.
- Testing of Solar Systems and devices (both large and small).
- Standards and Certification.
- Database management and information dissemination.
- Capacity Building, training, teaching and visitors programme.
- Collaborations, Monitoring and Consultancy Services.
- Development of Solar Energy Products & Hybrid System.
- Consultancy services, monitoring, collaborations (national and international)
- Innovations, solar product development & commercialization.
- Solar Hydrogen and Fuel Cells.
(ii) To have a perception and value system appropriate to the pursuit of high engineering science to meet the critically evaluated need of the industry.
(iii) To maintain and foster interactive linkages with leading technological institutions and institutes of research in India and abroad.
(iv) Interface between government, industry, academia and individuals.
Main Functions of the Institute
i. Assisting the ministry in implementing the NSM objectives through appropriate mechanisms, evolving Science & Technology (S&T) programmes and projects, managing special projects, overseeing and coordinating with all relevant stakeholder agencies in the pursuit of the above objectives.
ii. The institute is responsible for providing thrust to R&D in solar energy and related technologies under the mission. It would facilitate work related to demonstration and technology validation projects. The institute will also consider the sector-specific R&D needs to commercialise the solar applications. These target sectors could be buildings, rural areas, and industries for lighting and any other applications. The objective of solar application and R&D efforts should also target replacement of kerosene and diesel being used by the sectors stated above.
iii. The institute is responsible for R&D, resource assessment, training, testing/standardization work assigned to the institute by the ministry from time to time. It will maintain a data bank for use by industry and other institutions.
iv. The institute also undertakes R&D projects on different aspects of solar energy technologies, hybrid systems and storage techniques/systems.
v. The internal administrative functions, international cooperation projects on research, training, and testing, technology validation are also undertaken by the institute.
vi. The institute also works as the Secretariat for the work of the R&D Advisory Council. The Solar Research Advisory Council facilitates the development of a technology roadmap and provides inputs on all matters related to R&D and capacity building to the Mission Steering Group. The institute also works closely with the Solar Corporation of India set up by the ministry for implementation of the mission.
vii. The institution under the guidance of the ministry and the Mission Steering Group is responsible for coordination with the (i) other Centres of Excellence identified under the mission, (ii) R&D projects funded in the field of solar energy in the country, (iii) other S&T ministries/organisations in the country.
viii. The institute strives to bridge the gap between existing R&D institutions and industry, and get the industry on board, through partnership programmes and projects.
ix. The institute collaborates with the international S&T organisations for R&D and capacity building activities in the areas of solar energy assigned to the institute by the ministry from time to time.
x. The institute keeps track of latest global developments based on technology forecasting and foresighting relating to solar energy and related technologies including storage techniques and provides inputs to the ministry and the Mission Steering Group for the accelerated development of the indigenous solar energy technologies and industry in the country.
xi. The institute also provides technical support to other R&D and testing organisations, as considered necessary.
xii. The institute assists the ministry in preparation of a technology roadmap and the related S&T policies for effective implementation of the S&T component of the mission.
xiii. The institute also coordinates the work of technical monitoring of projects covered under the S&T roadmap for the mission and undertakes technical studies and evaluations.
xiv. The institute is eligible to receive research grants from MNRE, other ministries/organisations including international funding to carry out various assigned tasks and R&D activities.
xv. The institute also supports capacity building and supports students, teachers, and research personnel to work for higher degrees including PhD. The institute would develop suitable linkage with various academic and research organisations for this purpose.
xvi. Any other tasks assigned by the government from time to time.
NISE serves as a technical centre for all solar-related activities, including designing, consulting, standardisation, and skill-building initiatives. The organisation is dedicated to providing high-quality services in all endeavours made to advance and expand solar energy in India. In the most important process, the organisation seeks to close the gaps and advance the National Solar Mission.
NISE is a proponent of technological advancement. This makes it easier to foresee and get ready for upcoming difficulties. The main focus for future growth will be on new avenues for innovation. The upcoming plans will also focus on preparing the solar industry for a cost-optimised solution while maintaining quality standards.
As part of its commitment, NISE will test and evaluate the performance of solar cells, PV modules, advanced lighting systems, inverters, charge controllers, batteries, and solar water pumping systems. It will also calibrate these components. The test facilities set up at NISE are suitable for carrying out tests in accordance with national and international standards.
This is being achieved by using the best engineering practices, continuous upgradation of the infrastructure, and updating of the state-of-the-art test facilities, test methods, test personnel and continual improvement in the effectiveness of the Quality Management System as per International Standard ISO 17025:2017.
