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FUTURE STUDENTS
Faculty of Engineering
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Second year students enrolled in the new undergraduate engineering degree in Photovoltaics* and Solar Energy at UNSW complete a one year project that comprises approximately 25% of the year's workload. The project gives students hands-on exposure, training and experience in running an engineering project in photovoltaics or other renewable energy fields. One of the various projects available to students is a project in renewable energy in developing countries, which provides students with a rare and inspiring educational experience: a real-life opportunity to make a difference. The new degree aims to produce graduates that are environmentally, socially and ethically responsible, an aim well served by this project.
*Photovoltaic devices convert sunlight directly into electricity.
*Photovoltaic devices convert sunlight directly into electricity.
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Nepal Project 2001
Originally planned for late September 2001, but postponed until 2002 due to political instability in the region, the Nepal Project will take 13 students to Nepal to perform voluntary work in conjunction with the Himalayan Light Foundation a locally based NGO. The students will contribute to the HLF's Solar Sisters program, which focuses on improving women s livelihoods by providing affordable solar lighting systems to community buildings used for handicraft production, educational programs and community meetings.
The Nepal project has donated four small (50Wp) lighting systems that students will install during a 17 day visit to remote regions of Nepal, bringing light to schools and community buildings. The project will additionally involve students in maintenance and evaluation visits to previously installed systems, crucial to the long term success of the Solar Sisters program.
Throughout 2001, the team have been meeting weekly to plan and coordinate the project, raise money to cover the cost of the project and conduct technical research in preparation for their work in Nepal. Students have also investigated best practices in renewable energy development projects, and the wider social, environmental and economic impacts of the project.
The Nepal project has donated four small (50Wp) lighting systems that students will install during a 17 day visit to remote regions of Nepal, bringing light to schools and community buildings. The project will additionally involve students in maintenance and evaluation visits to previously installed systems, crucial to the long term success of the Solar Sisters program.
Throughout 2001, the team have been meeting weekly to plan and coordinate the project, raise money to cover the cost of the project and conduct technical research in preparation for their work in Nepal. Students have also investigated best practices in renewable energy development projects, and the wider social, environmental and economic impacts of the project.
Nicaragua 2002
In 2002, students will work with Grupo Fenix, an NGO working in Nicaragua. Group Fenix conduct practical research into appropriate energy technologies and train local people (including land-mine survivors) to build, maintain and operate solar ovens, PV lighting and battery rechargers. Grupo Fenix also supports local business in the manufacture of PV modules.
Nicaragua Project students will be involved in developing simple, low-energy fabrication techniques for photovoltaic modules, optimising solar cookers and sharing this knowledge via workshops that will place this technology in the hands of traditional communities.
Nicaragua Project students will be involved in developing simple, low-energy fabrication techniques for photovoltaic modules, optimising solar cookers and sharing this knowledge via workshops that will place this technology in the hands of traditional communities.
