Moving Upstream - Materials, Polysilicon, and Wafer Manufacturing in India

Dr. Puzant Baliozian is the VDMA PV Equipment Group's leader. He is involved in techno-economic studies for manufacturing capacity of PV along the value chain and represents the interests of European PV equipment manufacturers internationally. The PV Sector Group at VDMA also publishes the yearly international technology roadmap for photovoltaics (ITRPV) showing highly relevant technology projections and trends. Dr. Baliozian studied physics at the American University of Beirut (BSc., 2014) and has a specialization in renewable energy (MSc. 2016) from the university of Freiburg. From 2016 until 2022, he worked at Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems (ISE) in Freiburg in the field of photovoltaic production technologies where he also did his PhD. He is best known for developing the passivated edge technology for separated industrial solar cell concepts, to boost cell and module efficiencies. "

Dr. Balachander Krishnan holds a Ph.D. from semiconductor devices and has over two decades ofexperience in technology, manufacturing, and R&D from Europe. As the ChiefOperating Officer(Ingot-Wafer-Cell-Module) of INDOSOL Solar, he oversees allfacets of technology and operations, including the production processes foringots, wafers, cells, and modules. His strategic leadership and technicalinsight are crucial in advancing INDOSOL's commitment to innovative solarsolutions, positioning the company as a leader in the Indian solar industry.  

Dr. Deepa Oberoi is a Research Fellow at the University of Leicester (UK), leading sustainable materials recovery research within the APOLLO Project, the UK and EU's largest initiative on photovoltaic (PV) panel recycling. She was among only three fellows from Southeast Asia awarded the prestigious British Council STEM Fellowship at Imperial College London, where she advanced research linking green chemistry, electrochemical engineering, and circular economy systems. A university topper and CSIR Fellowship awardee, she earned her PhD in Synthetic Materials Chemistry from IIT Roorkee, focusing on hybrid materials for smart, sustainable applications. Her current work explores Deep Eutectic Solvents (DESs) and ultrasound-assisted electrochemical recycling, translating lab innovations into scalable green technologies for a circular solar economy.  

Shubhang Parekh is the Assistant Director at the National Solar Energy Federation of India (NSEFI). NSEFI is the largest umbrella body for the sustainable energy ecosystem in India, dedicatedto achieving the country's ambitious solar energy goals and representing the Indian solar industry. As the Assistant Director for Strategy, Manufacturing, and Public Relations at the National Solar Energy Federation of India (NSEFI), Shubhang plays a decisive role in shaping the frameworks that govern India's ambitious solar energy goals. As the largest umbrella body for the sustainable energy ecosystem in India, NSEFI represents the heart of the Indian solar industry, and Shubhang's leadership is central to its mission of achieving global recognition for domestic initiatives.  In his current capacity, Shubhang serves as the Head of New Initiatives and Strategic Projects. His portfolio is specifically designed to address the complexities of moving "upstream" in the photovoltaic (PV) sector, focusing on the critical transition toward materials, polysilicon, and wafer manufacturing in India. He provides oversight for cross-functional project management anddelivery, ensuring that technical milestones are met with strategic policy support. Shubhang's expertise in supply chain dynamics is highlighted by his authorship of the specialized report, "PV Supply Chain Resilience & Sustainability: India-EU Cooperation" (2023). Supported by the EU-India Clean Energy & Climate Partnership and PwC India, this work provides critical insights

EAC is a German international management consulting firm with focus on emerging markets - focusing on strategy, M&A, and operational excellence. EAC was established in 1992 and headquartered in Munich, with offices in Mumbai, Shanghai, and Moscow. For further details, please visit our website (www.eac-consulting.de).Mr. Anup Barapatre is a Principal at EAC International Consulting and leads the Energy & Environment Practice in India. He has over 18 years of management consulting experience, with a strong focus on the solar and broader renewable energy value chain.Anup has advised domestic and international clients on market entry and expansion strategies, upstream and downstream manufacturing localization, technology positioning, and partnerships across the solar ecosystem. His work spans equipment and materials manufacturing, and supply-chain strategy, with experience across India, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia.

Dr. Sushil Kumar is Chief Scientist at CSIR-National Physical Laboratory (NPL), New Delhi and Honorary Professor of Academy of Scientific & Innovative Research (AcSIR). Presently, he is heading Photovoltaic Device & Metrology Group and Advanced Materials & Device MetrologyDivision of CSIR-NPL.  He obtained his PhD degree in Electronics Engineering from IIT-BHU and joined NPL in year 2000 as scientist. He has also worked for one year at CNRS Lab. Paris, France. He has over 200 publications in national & international journals and proceedings and 10 patents.  Currently, he is steering committee member of PTB, Germany for a Solar PV project and alsoparticipating in an International Clean Innovation Researcher Networks project of Australian Government. He is also a technical committee member of International Measurement Confederation (IMEKO), Germany for TC20 - Measurements of Energy and Related Quantities. Further, he is also expert member of various committees of solar PV in the country. Presently his research interest is on emerging hetero-junction PV devices and recycling of end-of-life solar panels as a sustainable approach towards circular economy.