Kolkata: Solar power has now found a new 'hub' at the Indian Institute of Engineering Science and Technology (IIEST), Shibpur. IIEST is conducting experiments to develop indigenous , cheaper and more energy-efficient solar cells. The project, funded by the department of science and technology, has already received Rs 12 crore for the DST-Solar Hub project.One of the major difference between the available solar modules and the ones being built by IIEST is that of volts. "The IIEST solar modules are of 48 volts while those of usual make generates 24 volts. The new solar modules will also reduce the cost incurred by the user from Rs 35-40 to below Rs 30 per watt," said Hiranmoy Saha, principle investigator of the project.DST secretary Ashutosh Sharma will inaugurate the facilities by the end of this month for research on solar cell. "They have sanctioned projects to enhance the efficiency of solar cells through experiments at the hub ," said IIEST director Ajay Roy.Some of the innovations that are ready for industrial use are solar Toto and a solar boat. "In case of a Toto, the battery is usually charged at night. However, the institute has developed solar modules that can fit to a Toto on the roof so that the vehicle can get charged throughout the day. In case of the boat, instead of diesel, the boat can run by solar panels. The price of sonal panels is around Rs 15,000 to Rs 20,000 each. It may save at least 30% electricity billThe same is the cost for purchasing solar panels which can be attached to the boats," said Saha. , principal investigator of the project which is being conducted in collaboration with the Centre of excellence for green energy and sensor system.Development of solar lanterns are also a part of the project. "A villager can construct a solar charging station where the lanterns can be charged at a low cost of Rs 5 per day. The solar lanterns will cost around Rs 1000," Saha added.Among the other innovative projects in the pipeline are a power conditioning unit for directly feeding solar power to the grids. "A remote monitoring unit using GPRS internet is also being devised. Sitting at home, the system can monitor a solar power plant which can be located anywhere across the world," explained Saha.One of the major difference between the available solar modules and the ones which are being built by IIEST is that of volts. "The solar modules developed by IIEST are of 48 volts while that which are of usual make generates 24 volts," he said. The new solar modules will also reduce the cost incurred by the user from Rs 35-Rs40 per watt to below Rs 30 per watt.The DST-Solar Hub project at IIEST will also enable the other regional national institutes to reap benefit from the project. "We have entered into several MoUs with tech institutes in the region. Based on the project, we'll undertake setting up of a research laboratory at the National Institute of Technology Silchar," said Saha."Experiments through the project is aimed to change the way in which renewable energy is being used in the country," said a senior IIEST authority.