NAL transfers environment-friendly solar absorber coating technology to Mysuru startup

National Aerospace Laboratories campus in Bengaluru.
| Photo Credit: File photo

National Aerospace Laboratories (CSIR-NAL) announced the successful technology transfer of its next-generation solar absorber coating, NALSUN-NG, to Helix Solar Private Limited, an emerging clean-tech startup based in Mysuru.

On June 23, NAL said the technology enables domestic manufacturing of flat plate solar water heaters, potentially reducing monthly imports of five to six lakh evacuated tube collectors.

NALSUN-NG is a breakthrough graphene oxide-based solar selective coating, specifically engineered for photothermal applications, such as solar water heaters.

Developed entirely in-house by NAL, it is the first eco-friendly, water-based coating of its kind in India. Unlike traditional coatings that rely on volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and flammable solvents, NALSUN-NG uses only non-toxic, RoHS- and REACH-compliant inorganic materials.

Most current commercial coatings use capital-intensive physical vapor deposition (PVD) techniques, or contain harmful VOCs. In contrast, NALSUN-NG requires minimal investment in infrastructure, has no flammable components, and poses no effluent treatment challenges making it ideal for local manufacturing and rural deployment.

The coating has undergone rigorous testing aligned with ASTM and International Energy Agency (IEA) standards. It is certified by NABL-accredited laboratories, and its intellectual property is protected under Indian and international patents.

With a lifespan exceeding 20 years, NALSUN-NG is trademarked and has already been successfully commercialised.

This transfer marks the second successful licensing of the NALSUN-NG technology, following its earlier adoption by an industry partner where it has already been commercialised and integrated into solar thermal systems.

Published – June 24, 2025 10:08 am IST

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