Supun Jayaminda BANDARA

Employment experience:  

2024 – 2025: Research Assistant (University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka)

2023: Machine Learning Intern (TechLabs, Sri Lanka)

Education:  

2026 – Now: Doctor of Philosophy in Photovoltaic Engineering (UNSW)

2024 – 2025: Master of Science by Research (University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka)

2020 – 2024: Bachelor of Science Honours (University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka)

Research interests:  

• Machine learning applications in photovoltaic engineering

• Reducing energy losses due to solar clipping and PV curtailment

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Why is your research important?  

As solar energy adoption grows, energy losses from clipping and PV curtailment are becoming increasingly significant. However, there are currently no clear strategies to minimise these losses. My research applies machine learning to understand and predict when curtailment occurs, helping unlock otherwise wasted energy. Improving the utilisation of existing solar systems in this way can increase energy output, lower costs, and accelerate the transition to sustainable energy.

What do you like about research? 

I enjoy research because it is about making sense of problems that do not have clear answers. I like the process of exploring ideas, finding patterns, and slowly turning something unclear into something understandable. It is especially rewarding when those insights can be used to improve real-world systems.

What do you like to do when you are not saving the world?  

Exploring new places, trying new activities, enjoying different cuisines, and getting lost in a good movie or series.