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.