Started in 2007, this laboratory has been testing solar lighting products and evaluating their on-field performance focused on the rural market, conducting technical training programmes and research in design and customization of solar lighting products to suit the needs of the rural user base.
National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories and Ministry of New and Renewable Energy accredited TERI’s Solar lighting laboratory has facilities to achieve the quality assurance of the off grid solar based systems as per MNRE specification and IEC standards.
The Lighting Asia/India program has been undertaking various activities since 2012 working to remove market barriers to adoption of quality assured products, through a series of market interventions. The program works with manufacturers and distributors of quality assured solar lighting appliances, to help them develop a robust footprint in underserved markets in India. Over the next 3 years, the program will scale up energy access by deepening its existing level of work and intervention in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, undertaking targeted activities in Rajasthan, and expanding market development activities into low income states that have not yet benefited from these products (Odisha and Assam). It will also leverage other IFC Lighting programs (Bangladesh, Myanmar, Pakistan, Kenya, Ethiopia, Nigeria, and PNG) to help Indian companies' access international markets.
Providing Technical Assistance to Solar Lighting Programmes
The Solar Lighting Laboratory leverages its expertise in research and development, product design, testing and performance assessment, and training to provide technical assistance to solar lighting programmes.
For our first client, the Lighting a Billion Lives (LaBL) programme initiated by TERI, we have developed lighting system specifications, conducted tests and suggested design customization for a variety of lighting products, developed training modules and conducted training programmes along with technical and user manuals. We also contribute to the technology section of the programme's newsletter.
Services Provided
- Solar Lighting system specifications
- Laboratory and field based testing and performance evaluation lighting systems
- Development of procedures for quality assurance
- Development of user and technical manuals
- Development of training modules and delivery of trainings on installation, operation and maintenance of solar PV systems
- Forming partnerships with the solar lighting industry
- Conduction of technology and policy seminars and workshops
Brochures and Manuals
Infrastructure
Laboratory has facilities to conduct the performance evaluation for the solar modules, Luminaires, electronic circuits and batteries.
Solar Module testing - IV curve tester
Solar Module testing - Solar simulator
LED testing - Integrating sphere
LED testing - Dark room 
Battery Test - Battery analyzer Projects
Cooperation agreement for testing of Solar Lighting Systems under Lighting Asia/India Programme
Duration: March 2014 - June 2018
Sponsor:International Finance Corporation
Objective: The foremost objective of this project is to check the quality of the solar lighting systems as per the IEC standards by conducting essential experiments on the systems and provide certification to the manufacturers to increase the access to the clean and affordable energy.
TERI's Solar Lighting Lab- Premier Lab offering Solar product Testing, Design, Validation, and Training Services
Duration: September 2012 - September 2016
Sponsor: Multi-Client
Objective: An independent Solar Lighting Lab set up at TERI University (TERI U), Vasant Kunj that offers paid services such as testing, design, validation, and provides training on solar technologies for organizations and companies across the globe. Fully equipped lab with some highly specialized solar and lighting equipment.
Decentralized off-grid electricity generation in developing countries: Business models for off-grid electricity supply
Duration: November 2009 - March 2015
Sponsor: De Monforte University, Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council & TERI
Objective: The project aims to find appropriate local solutions, which are techno-economically viable, institutionally feasible, socio- politically acceptable and environmentally sound, for sustainable electricity supply to off-grid areas. The project also seeks to investigate a suite of alternative decentralized business solutions and corresponding institutional frameworks for electricity and rural energy supply with a specific focus on South Asia.
Off-grid solar SNV projects validation mission
Duration: September 2014 - March 2015
Sponsor: Netherlands Development Organisation (SNV)
Objective: As per the Terms of Reference circulated by SNV, the objectives of the consultancy study are as follows:
- Analyse four off-grid solar projects against SNV draft quality criteria, vision, best practices of other organisations.
- Based on this, and on other information that will be provided, propose an ideal theory of change.
- Recommend improvements in the quality of SNVs practice in off grid solar projects.
Innovation to bring clean energy for livelihood generation
Duration: September 2010 - September 2013
Sponsor: The Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Objective: The objective of this project was develop and customize renewable energy technologies keeping the focus on Indian rural markets and needs, Testing and assessing the performance of these technologies at the lab scale, Demonstrating a maximum of 3 customized technologies at 12 locations in India and evaluating their socio-technical appropriateness, Conducting technical training programmes at all locations used for demonstration, Disseminating the findings to the research communities by organizing an international workshop / knowledge dissemination programme.
Testing and long-term performance evaluation of SPV lighting systems
Duration: March 2011 - June 2013
Sponsor: Ministry of Non-Conventional Energy Sources
Objective: This, proposal, jointly submitted by TERI and TERI University proposes to aptly utilize the expertise and experience available at both the institutes for testing and long-term performance evaluation, along with training on SPV lighting systems. The proposal envisions testing and long term performance assessment, validation and customization of solar lighting systems, development of new designs, and conducting training workshops for basic and advanced training on solar lighting.
Proposal to prepare integrated electricity supply master plan for off-grid Sundarban Islands
Duration: June 2005 - September 2005
Sponsor: West Bengal Renewable Energy Development Agency
Objective: This is related to prepare a document containing integrated master plan for electrification of entire off-grid islands of Sundarbans.
Scaling-up of off-grid rural electrification programme
Duration: September 2006 - July 2007
Sponsor: India-Canada Environment Facility
Objective: In the proposed project, TERI will review and analyze the experience of pilot DDG projects implemented in India in recent The review and analysis will result in: a) Formulation of a decision tree for designing off-grid DDG projects, b) Development of a revenue model for tariff determination from DDG projects.
Decentralized off-grid electricity generation in developing countries: Business models for off-grid electricity supply
Duration: November 2009 - March 2015
Sponsor: Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council & De Monforte University
Objective: The project aims to find appropriate local solutions, which are techno-economically viable, institutionally feasible, socio- politically acceptable and environmentally sound, for sustainable electricity supply to off-grid areas. The project also seeks to investigate a suite of alternative decentralized business solutions and corresponding institutional frameworks for electricity and rural energy supply with a specific focus on South Asia.