A hybrid meeting of the NCPRE Project Monitoring Committee (PMC) was held on September 19, 2025 to review the progress of NCPRE. The PMC members who were present online were Dr. Sushil Kumar (Chairman), Prof. A. Subrahmanyam, Shri S. K. Sangal and Shri Sudip Bhattacharya. In addition, Dr. Sangita Kasture, R&D Advisor and Dr. Anil Kumar Scientist ‘E’ from MNRE were present in person. Prof. B. G. Fernandes and Prof. Suryanarayana Doolla, PIs of NCPRE presented an Introduction and the progress made under Education and Training. This was followed by presentations by the various NCPRE group heads: Profs. Anil Kottantharayil and Dinesh Kabra (Solar Cells and Materials), Prof. B. G. Fernandes, on behalf of Prof. Sandeep Anand (Power Electronics), and Prof. Narendra Shiradkar (PV Deployment and Reliability). Members of the PMC asked various questions, and had discussions on the work presented. They also offered suggestions on future activities. Overall, the PMC members were happy with the progress. Dr. Sushil Kumar congratulated the team for IEC standard contributions, and inquired about developing anti- soiling coating standards. Shri Sudip Bhattacharya enquired about the feasibility of achieving 30% tandem efficiency. Shri S. K. Sangal suggested testing bifacial modules at the joint NCPRE-IISc test site in Chalakere with and without tracking. He also stressed the relevance of deliverables like forecasting and operation/maintenance for practical applications. Prof. A. Subrahmanyam raised concerns about upscaling of tandems from small areas to larger areas (e.g., 4 cm²), noting it as a significant challenge. Dr. Sangita Kasture thanked the PMC for their recommendations and expressed pride in NCPRE's achievements. She also noted that many students trained at NCPRE have been absorbed by industry, a point of satisfaction for MNRE. Prof. Fernandes thanked the PMC members and urged that the next meeting of the PMC be held in person at IIT Bombay.
Screenshot of members participating in the hybrid meeting of the PMC. Shown are (clockwise) Prof. Dinesh Kabra, Dr. Sushil Kumar (Chairman), Prof. A Subrahmanyam and Prof. Narendra Shiradkar.