ROSHAN R RAO
Welcome
My role in the society as a researcher in the field of solar photovoltaic (PV) is to explore and explain the complexities in possible damages to PV caused by the local environmental conditions, induced by climate change.
We, humans have moved in time so far that electricity is an integral part of our life. We need electricity to start our day till we end it. Our economy, industries, healthcare, education, transportation, household cease to function without electricity today.
The way of generating electricity is a matter of huge importance today, due to multiple reasons. The availability of fuel to generate electricity and the environmental concern we have with conventional fossil fuel electricity generation are the primary ones.
Solar Photovoltaic (PV) technology is a promising, renewable source for electricity The advantages being surplus availability of fuel from sun and minimal environmental damage it does, but it comes with few inherent challenges. The electricity is generated only in the presence of sun in the sky, the magnitude of electricity converted from sun light (conversion efficiency) is lower at higher temperature of the site, where the power plant is installed. Other factors are controlling the dust on the PV panels by frequent cleaning, air pollution, relative humidity of ambient air, etc.
My research involves field observations of solar photovoltaic performance, visual inspections, thermal imagery, etc. These data aid me in development of a mathematical model which assess a specific damage to PV modules/panels under specific environmental conditions.
- Roshan R Rao
Media attention
Using end-of-life photovoltaic panels as building material
Aug 4, 2023
Scientists in India have proposed to use solar modules at the end of their lifecycle as a building material for low-cost small housing units. With solar module recycling currently not viable economically, the researchers said their approach makes conventional solar panels into BIPV products without any modifications.
Discarded solar panels power building dreams
May 14, 2022
Article in has been published in page 1, May 14, 2022 of ‘Deccan Herald’, a daily newspaper in Bangalore, under the headline “Discarded solar panels power building dreams"; Researchers at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, have come up with a new application for discarded solar panels — construction material. by Mr.Anand Singh
A charged view
May, 2022
Article in has been published in Pg.52-53, May, 2022 issue of ‘Down To Earth’, an Indian science and environment fortnightly, under the headline “A charged view : Using discarded solar panels to make buildings can help deal with PV waste and give the cells a new lease of life" by Ms. Rohini Krishnamurthy.
Sunflower 'boost' for solar power
Nov 5, 2012
Article in has been published in page 7, November 5, 2012 of ‘Bangalore Mirror’, a daily newspaper in Bangalore, under the headline “Sunflower ‘boost’ for solar power; City-based IISc researchers show solar panels which track the sun’s movement like sunflowers generate 20 per cent more energy than fixed panels"
Discarded solar panels can be used as building material
August 2019
An article has been published on August 02, 2019 issue of ‘Down To Earth’, an Indian science and environment fortnightly, under the headline “Discarded solar panels can be used as building material”. It says" ...A group of scientists at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru have found a new use for discarded solar panels: to be used as building material....."