Solar Photovoltaic Materials Present Efficiencies and Future Challenges Incorporating Indian Knowledge System

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.