Union Minister Manohar Lal Highlights Solar Innovation During Visit to PDEU’s Advanced PV Facility – EQ
In Short : Union Minister Manohar Lal visited Pandit Deendayal Energy University’s SOPAL, a 45 MW solar PV assembly line. Set up with ₹32 crore investment, the facility trains students in solar panel manufacturing. He praised the university’s innovation and hands-on learning approach, highlighting its role in advancing India’s renewable energy and clean technology goals.
In Detail : Union Minister of Power and Housing & Urban Affairs, Shri Manohar Lal, visited Pandit Deendayal Energy University (PDEU) in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. The visit was centered around SOPAL, a 45 MW solar photovoltaic (PV) assembly line established within the university. This state-of-the-art facility has been developed with an investment of ₹32 crore to bolster hands-on training and research in solar manufacturing.
During his visit, the Minister observed the various stages of solar panel assembly at SOPAL, including cell-to-panel integration, lamination, and EL testing. These modern processes provide students and researchers a real-world learning experience, bridging the gap between academia and industry. The facility aims to foster innovation in renewable energy technology and support India’s push toward energy self-reliance.
Shri Manohar Lal commended the efforts of PDEU in becoming a center of excellence in energy education. He highlighted how the university’s infrastructure and industry-aligned programs were equipping students with the skills necessary to contribute meaningfully to India’s green energy sector. His remarks underscored the importance of practical learning environments like SOPAL in building a future-ready workforce.
The Minister also visited other Centres of Excellence at PDEU, which focus on emerging technologies such as Battery Energy Storage Systems, Smart Grids, and Advanced Manufacturing. These centers play a critical role in driving research, industrial consultancy, and pilot projects that align with national energy priorities.
PDEU’s commitment to innovation and sustainability has been previously recognized, with SOPAL inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The facility not only supports education and skill development but also acts as a hub for solar irradiance data analysis and R&D, contributing to India’s solar energy ambitions on a global scale.
Shri Manohar Lal’s visit reaffirms the government’s emphasis on integrating advanced technology with education to support India’s clean energy transition. The SOPAL facility represents a vital step forward in building domestic capacity for solar manufacturing while promoting academic excellence in the renewable energy domain.
