INTELEC® is an annual conference that examines and analyses the latest developments in communications energy systems and related power processing devices and circuits. A paper entitled ”A 300 VA Low-Cost Efficient Standalone Photovoltaic System for Rural Applications” with Jenson Joseph, an NCPRE Ph.D. student, as the lead author (working under Prof. B. G. Fernandes) won a best paper award. The paper presents a standalone PV system by combining all the power electronic units; maximum power point tracking controller, battery charger, and inverter into one single unit. A novel control for the standalone operation of the PV system is proposed with minimal sensor requirements.