R & D indicators and mapping of solar energy research output in India

Solar electricity is a clean energy solution for Sustainable Energy. Solar photovoltaic program in India began in early 1980s. India announced the Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission for accelerating solar electricity growth in 2010. A target of achieving 20,000 MW of solar electricity by 2022 has been set. This paper presents current solar energy scene in India, carries out a study of R&D indicators, and makes an assessment of research output. ‘Web of Science’ R&D publications from 2000‑2009 in India vs. world have been analyzed. India is among the five leading countries in research publications, but in the overall analysis, India is lagging behind. The study provides a baseline in research output just before the start of the national solar mission and establishes the need for increasing R&D investment many folds for meeting the set targets.