The School of Electrical Engineering at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University (SMVDU) successfully organized a five-day Residential Skill Development Program titled “Solar Photovoltaic Systems: Design, Installation and Maintenance” from February 9–13, 2026. The program was funded and supported by the Higher Education Department, UT of Jammu & Kashmir. The inaugural session on February 9 was graced by Prof. Pragatikumar, Vice Chancellor, SMVDU, as Chief Guest. In his address, he highlighted the vital role of renewable energy in sustainable development and encouraged participants to explore entrepreneurial opportunities in the solar sector. The first technical lecture was delivered by Prof. M. Rizwan, Delhi Technological University, who shared insights on solar PV design and emerging technologies.
The training covered fundamentals of solar PV systems, component selection, inverter technologies, mounting structures, installation procedures, testing, and maintenance practices. Participants also engaged in extensive hands-on field training, including a visit to SMVDU’s solar rooftop plants, where they discussed system design, operational challenges, maintenance strategies, and return on investment calculations. Expert sessions were conducted by professionals from Gujarat Energy Research and Management Institute (GERMI) and PDF Engineers Pvt. Ltd., Ahmedabad, along with industry experts. The program saw enthusiastic participation from 46 attendees from the Jammu region.
The program was coordinated by Dr. Kumud Ranjan Jha, Head, School of Electrical Engineering and Dean, Faculty of Engineering, with co-coordination by Dr. Prabhu Omer, Dr. Jatinkumar Soni, and Mr. Akash Deep. The valedictory session on February 13 featured Dr. Asok De, Bharati Chair Professor, SMVDU, as Chief Guest, who distributed certificates to participants.
During the feedback session, participants praised the comprehensive curriculum and practical exposure, noting that the training enhanced their technical competence and inspired them to consider solar entrepreneurship.The successful completion of the program reflects SMVDU’s commitment to advancing skill development, fostering industry-academia collaboration, and promoting renewable energy initiatives in Jammu & Kashmir.
