International Solar Innovation Council's Solar Ambassador Program Empowers Students for a Sustainable Future

In a pioneering effort to cultivate a profound understanding of solar energy's pivotal role in combating climate change, the International Solar Innovation Council (InSIC) launched its transformative Solar Ambassador Program. This groundbreaking initiative, in collaboration with the NB Institute for Rural Technology (NBIRT) in India, aims to raise awareness among the younger generation about the diverse applications of solar energy in daily life.

A significant chapter unfolded on January 17, 2024, as InSIC extended an invitation to National High School in Kolkata. Ten talented students from the 11th standard, accompanied by their teachers, actively participated in the InSIC School Programme—a day dedicated to an enlightening exploration of renewable energy.

Mr. Richik Ghosh Thakur, an InSIC Board Member, spearheaded the event with a compelling presentation on the 'Introduction to Renewable Energy.' The students engaged in hands-on experiments, exploring innovative solar technologies like the Pico Hydro Generator, Solar Sanitary Napkin Vending machine, Solar Pumping System, Solar Water Purification System, and delved into factors influencing Solar PV Performance.

The interactive session that followed introduced students to the fundamental principles of solar energy, distributing solar panels for measurements of critical parameters such as Voc and Isc, fostering a deeper comprehension of solar technology.

The afternoon session featured engaging discussions led by esteemed personalities, including Prof. S.P. GonChaudhuri from India and 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 students with a holistic view of the global landscape in renewable energy.

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

The InSIC team expressed gratitude to volunteers Mr. Subhadeep Bhattacharya, Ms. Rai Dhar, and Mr. Pranoy Lahiri for demonstrating various solar innovations funded by InSIC under the Small Grants Scheme 2022. The seamless coordination of the program was attributed to Mr. Swarnendu Bhattacharya, the InSIC consultant, whose dedication ensured the event's success.

As the curtain fell on this edition of the Solar Ambassador Program, it left an indelible mark on the students' minds, fostering a generation aware of the significance of solar energy and poised to become torchbearers in the journey towards a sustainable and greener future.

Feedback from Students (Class XI)

The students shared their positive experiences, emphasizing the program's educative and informative nature, opening doors to a large future scope in the realm of solar energy.

Accompanying teachers echoed the sentiments of a valuable and enriching experience, highlighting the initiative's importance in encouraging hands-on exposure to solar energy for school students.