The National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL), operating under the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), has formally transferred its advanced solar absorber coating technology, named NALSUN-NG, to Helix Solar Private Limited. The Mysuru-based clean energy start-up will now take the technology forward into commercial production. A formal agreement between the two entities was signed on Monday, signaling a key move to expand homegrown capabilities in solar thermal systems.
According to NAL, the technology handover aligns with national programs aimed at promoting indigenous innovation and reducing reliance on imports. Initiatives such as Make in India, Atmanirbhar Bharat, and the National Solar Mission stand to benefit from this development, which could significantly lower the country’s dependence on imported solar components, particularly the widely used evacuated tube collectors.
NALSUN-NG is a next-generation solar selective coating developed by CSIR-NAL scientists. It features graphene oxide as a core component and is tailored for use in solar thermal systems such as flat plate water heaters.
What sets this coating apart is its environmentally safe composition. Developed using water as the base medium, it avoids the use of flammable solvents and toxic organic compounds typically found in conventional coatings. It complies with both RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) and REACH (European Union chemical safety regulations), making it suitable for widespread application without environmental or health concerns.
Unlike traditional coatings that require expensive machinery—such as those using Physical Vapour Deposition (PVD)—NALSUN-NG can be applied using cost-effective methods, making it accessible for small-scale and rural manufacturers. The absence of volatile or hazardous ingredients means no complex handling procedures or waste treatment systems are needed, allowing for safer production and easier adoption across different sectors.
NAL officials emphasized that the innovation could help India produce its own solar thermal systems on a larger scale, potentially offsetting the import of 500,000–600,000 units every month. This move strengthens India’s clean energy manufacturing base and opens new possibilities for sustainable business ventures.
