Empowering the Future: InSIC's Solar Ambassador Program Igniting Young Minds

In a bid to cultivate a profound understanding of solar energy and its pivotal role in combating climate change, the International Solar Innovation Council (InSIC) has embarked on a transformative journey through its Solar Ambassador Program. This groundbreaking initiative, undertaken in collaboration with the NB Institute for Rural Technology (NBIRT) in India, is geared towards raising awareness among the younger generation about the myriad applications of solar energy in various aspects of life.

November 24, 2023, marked a significant chapter in this program as InSIC extended an invitation to Gokhale Memorial Girl's School, a prestigious institution in Kolkata. Ten bright students from the 11th standard, accompanied by their teachers, eagerly participated in the InSIC School Programme, engaging in an enlightening exploration of renewable energy.

Mr. Richik Ghosh Thakur, one of the InSIC Board Member, spearheaded the event with a compelling presentation on the 'Introduction to Renewable Energy.' The students were not mere spectators; they actively took part in experiments showcasing innovative solar technologies, including the Pico Hydro Generator, Solar Sanitary Napkin Vending machine, Solar Pumping System, Solar Water Purification System, and an insightful exploration into the factors influencing Solar PV Performance.

Following the hands-on experiences, the students delved into an interactive session where they were introduced to the fundamental principles of solar energy. Solar panels were distributed among them, enabling them to measure critical parameters such as Voc and Isc, fostering a deeper comprehension of solar technology.

The afternoon session unfolded with engaging discussions led by esteemed personalities such as Prof. S.P. GonChaudhuri, from India, and other international experts Mr. Pekka Järvilehto, Mr. Markku Tahkokorpi, and Mr. Risto Isomaki from Finland. Topics ranged from current issues in solar energy research to future opportunities and the potential for exchange programs, providing the students with a holistic view of the global landscape in renewable energy.

A crucial aspect of the program was the exchange of ideas in the concluding session, where the students provided valuable feedback. This feedback not only serves as a testament to the success of the initiative but also aids in refining and enhancing future editions of the Solar Ambassador Program.

The InSIC team expressed heartfelt gratitude to Mr. Subhadeep Bhattacharya, Ms. Rai Dhar, and Mr. Pranoy Lahiri for their invaluable volunteer efforts in demonstrating various solar innovations funded by InSIC under the Small Grants Scheme 2022. The seamless coordination of the overall program was attributed to Mr. Swarnendu Bhattacharya, the consultant of InSIC, whose dedication ensured the success of this enlightening event.

As the curtain fell on this edition of the Solar Ambassador Program, it left an indelible mark on the minds of the students, fostering a generation that is not only aware of the significance of solar energy but is also poised to become torchbearers in the journey towards a sustainable and greener future. Feedback from the Students of (Class XI)

• Rumela Dutta- The exposure on Renewable was really wonderful, I came to know many new things about the solar energy and its applications.

  
  

• Shreyasini Adak- It is a very good initiative from InSIC to encourage school students on such activities, involving them on hands-on exposure in the field of solar energy.

  
  

• Kausani Ghosal- I enjoyed the program a lot as it was very educative and interesting.

  
  

• Sharadiya Saha- The program was very informative and encouraging, it also has a large future scope.

  
  

• Adrija Malakar- The solar exhibits were fascinating and the program was well organised.

  
  

• Samriddha Ghosh- The initiative helped us in gathering knowledge much about the use of Solar Energy along with its applications.

  
  

• Moupiya Mondal- It was really a great opportunity for me to attend such program.

  
  

• Arjayeeta Pal- The session was very informative, I came to know about various usage of Solar Energy.

  
  

• Enakshee Mondal- As a student it was an amazing experience for me to be a part of this program.

  
  

• Suchismita Bandyopadhyay- The visit helped us in understanding various Solar powered prototypes which used as field based application for benefit of the rural people.

Feedback from the Teachers:

• Suchana Roy Chowdhury- It was a very good experience for me along with the students.

  
  

• Susmita Bose- It was overall a very good experience for me in attaining this program.