India, June 26 -- * Innovation stores solar heat using phase change material, reducing dependence on electricity and conventional fuels for water heating * Technology demonstrates 55 % thermal efficiency and can retain usable heat for up to 12 to 14 hours after sunset Mumbai : Researchers at MIT World Peace University (MIT-WPU) have developed a solar thermal energy storage system that enables hot water availability even after sunset by storing solar heat in a phase change material (PCM)-based thermal battery. The technology addresses one of the biggest challenges associated with solar energy-its intermittent availability-and has the potential to reduce dependence on electricity and fossil fuels for water heating applications. Developed by D...