CSTEP's Techno-Economic Model for Photovoltaics (CSTEM PV) has been envisioned as a continuing initiative that aims to constructively support and be in line with India’s clean energy aspirations.
Our journey began in 2017, when we released the first version of CSTEM for Photovoltaics (CSTEM PV)--a tool that makes assessments for utility-scale PV plants--with support from the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy and Department of Science and Technology. The reception of the tool and support from the Good Energies Foundation, encouraged us to pursue the development of a more comprehensive solar model (utility and mini-grid systems). We decided to revamp our approach from developing an output of research work to a continuously evolving/updated open-access tool. Also, we wished to build a tool that was educative and provide a learning experience rather than just be a case simulator. This required a radical shift in our design thought process--from a process-centric model to a user-centric product--resulting in version 2 of CSTEM PV.
