What is Central Electronics Limited (CEL)?

About Central Electronics Limited (CEL):

• It is a Govt. of India Enterprise under the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR), Ministry of Science and Technology.
• It was established in 1974, with the objective to commercially exploit indigenous technologies developed by National Laboratories and R&D Institutions in the country.
• CEL's mission is to achieve excellence in the technology and manufacture, and be market leader in Solar Energy Systems and Strategic Electronics.
• It holds a unique position among the family of Public Sector Enterprises in Electronics, with its emphasis on indigenous technology inducted both from its in-house developments and from the National Laboratories, for its production programme in diverse high-technology areas of national importance. 
• The activities of CEL are sharply focused on three thrust areas:
  • Solar photovoltaic cells, modules, and systems for a variety of applications.
  • Selected Electronic Systems: Equipment for Railway Signalling and Safety, Cathodic protection Equipment for Oil Pipelines, Switching Systems and Very Small Aperture Terminals (VSATs).
  • Selected Electronic components-professional (Soft) Ferrites, Electronic Ceramics, Piezo Electric Elements and Microwave Components.
• CEL has been a pioneer in the country in the areas of solar photovoltaics, ferrites, and piezo ceramics.
• Today, it enjoys the international status of being among the top producers of crystalline silicon solar cells in the world.

CEL has developed a number of critical components for strategic applications and is supplying these items to Defence.

Q1: What are solar photovoltaic (PV) cells?

Solar photovoltaic (PV) cells, also known as solar cells, are electronic devices that convert sunlight into electricity. They are made of semiconductor material that can conduct electricity better than an insulator but not as well as a metal. When light hits a PV cell, it may be reflected, absorbed, or pass through the cell.

Source: Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh announced grant of 'Mini RATNA' status (Category-1) for Central Electronics Limited (CEL)