Micro Solar Dome (MSD)

Subcategory (under Clean Energy): Solar (PV)
TRL 9 - Commercial operation in rel- evant environment
Technology Outline (Process Description)

The Micro Solar Dome (MSD) is a revolutionary lighting solution designed specifically for rural areas. This innovative hybrid device can be seamlessly integrated into rural roofing structures, providing up to 9 hours of daylight illumina- tion and up to 8 hours of nighttime lighting. By harnessing natural daylight through a reflective sun tube, the MSD ef- ficiently guides sunlight into the dark and damp interiors of rural houses and work sheds. This brings the much-needed brightness and vitality to spaces that were previously devoid of natural light. During nighttime, the MSD seamlessly transitions to an active lighting mode. Its 3W LED lighting load utilizes solar energy stored in the 3W Solar PV capacity and the 4.4Ah (7.4V) lithium battery. Consequently, the MSD ensures round-the-clock lighting for rural households, employing both passive and active solar energy utilization. Furthermore, the MSD offers the convenience of mobile charging, providing an essential power source for rural communities. Its resilience has been proven particularly effec- tive in cyclone-affected areas, where access to reliable lighting is crucial.

Salient Features/Advantages

The Micro Solar Dome (MSD) offers multiple advantages: It provides up to 9 hours of daylight illumination and up to 8 hours of nighttime lighting in rural areas. By harnessing natural daylight and utilizing solar energy, it brings light to otherwise dark and damp rural spaces. It has a mobile charg- ing facility and can serve as a backup lighting source during emergencies. The MSD is highly effective, especially in cy- clone-affected areas, in work sheds and Goshalas.

Key Outcomes

Currently, over 60,000 families are benefiting from the trans- formative light provided by the Micro Solar Dome (MSD). This groundbreaking technology has not only been patented but has also received the esteemed Mission Innovation Award in 2019. Moreover, it is illuminating the lives of more than 27,000 tribal families residing in remote areas plagued by highly unreliable electricity access. The MSD is truly revolu- tionizing the way underserved communities experience light and empowering them with a reliable source of illumination.

IP Protection details

  • Patent filed (Title, national/International): ‘ A solar Lighting Device’, National
  • Patents Granted: Yes.
  • Copyrights obtained /progress on commercialisation /Pl. specify connect with industry: YES- Contact NBIRT (nbirt2012@gmail.com)

Contact details (for more information)

Supporting Photographs/Images

Organizations involved in the development (logo/name)

NB Institute for Rural Technology (NBIRT)

IIT-Kharagpur (accessory Developed for MSD)

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