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NISE’s New PV Lab to Set Global Benchmarks in Solar Testing Capabilities: Union Minister Shri Pralhad
Joshi

Marking a major advancement in India’s renewable energy capabilities, Union Minister for New and
Renewable Energy Shri Pralhad Joshi, inaugurated the PV Module Testing and Calibration Lab at the
National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE), Gwal Pahari, Bandhwari, Haryana. Speaking at the occasion, the
Minister stated that the new lab will set global benchmarks in solar R&D, testing, training, and policy
support while marking a bold step towards self-reliance, innovation, and global excellence.

Shri Joshi also said that NISE is now equipped to offer comprehensive testing, calibration, and certification
services, particularly for photovoltaic modules and technologies where no established standards currently
exist. He termed the lab a pioneering facility for India and further highlighted that as Indian companies
scale up the production of large modules, this lab will ensure that products meet the highest quality
standards. Shri Joshi noted that the lab also aligns with BIS standards and will provide a major boost to
the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme and support India's aspiration to become a global
manufacturing hub.

The Minister also underlined the importance of NISE as a training ground for government officials, industry
professionals, and international delegates. He appreciated NISE’s efforts in training over 55,000
Suryamitra technicians and for installing more than 300 solar air dryer-cum-space heating systems in Leh,
which are being used by farmers to dry apricots. He said such initiatives strengthen technical capacity and
foster collaboration among government, industry, and academia. Shri Joshi also stated that with the new
facility, NISE will significantly improve its efficiency, quality, and research in accordance with global
benchmarks.

Tremendous Growth in RE Sector

Highlighting the exponential growth under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the
Minister said that India’s installed solar capacity increased from 2.82 GW in 2014 to crossed 106 GW now,
marking a growth of over 3700%. In terms of manufacturing, solar module production has increased from
2 GW in 2014 to 80 GW today, with a target of reaching 150 GW by 2030. Alongside solar progress, the
Minister also underscored the achievement of 50 GW in wind energy capacity.

Emphasising the government’s ambitious targets, Union Minister Shri Pralhad Joshi said that India is firmly
on track to achieve the 500 GW non-fossil fuel energy target by 2030, including 292 GW of solar energy,
as envisioned by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.

The Minister said that NISE should reflect the transformation India’s renewable energy sector has seen in
the last 11 years under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership. He also urged the institute to step up efforts in
global research impact and patent generation.

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