MUMBAI, July 17 -- The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay has developed a solar cell that could play a vital role in India's clean energy future. The innovation comes from the Advanced Renewable Tandem-Photovoltaics India (ART-PV India), a start-up incubated at IIT Bombay (IIT-B). Called the 4-terminal Silicon/CdTe-Perovskite tandem solar cell (one on top of the other), the technology has achieved a remarkable 29.8% conversion efficiency of sunlight to energy, one of the highest ever recorded in India. It is seen as a breakthrough that could push solar cell efficiency beyond 30%, significantly outperforming current technologies. Union minister for new and renewable energy (MNRE), Pralhad Joshi, visited the National Centre for Photovoltaic Research and Education (NCPRE) at IIT Bombay on Tuesday. MNRE is also backing ART-PV India with Rs.83 crore to set up a pilot manufacturing facility at IIT-B, to help turn Indian research into commercially viable technology. During his visit, the minister toured the Perovskite Tandem Solar Cell Lab, the Silicon Fab Lab and the Medium Voltage Lab at NCPRE. Following his tour, he described the low-cost solar cell innovation as a "game-changer" for India's energy ambitions, one that strengthens the country's leadership in clean energy technology....