“Village Solar” takes off at Manhattan Comprehensive.

For the past five years Solar One has enjoyed a wonderful collaboration with nearby  Manhattan Comprehensive Night and Day High School. No fewer than 15 separate “green” internships, focused on solar technology, sustainable design, energy efficiency and conservation, park management and eco-entrepreneurship, have been offered at the school to date. As a result, hundreds of students have gained hands-on experience in these future-oriented fields.

A couple of weeks ago, a new program called Village Solar launched at Manhattan Comprehensive. This 10 week, design-focused internship will introduce 18 students to the rapidly emerging field of ‘rural solar’, which encompasses a growing number of off-grid solar applications that extend clean, reliable power to energy-poor regions of the world. (Currently 1/4 of the global population is without access to electricity). Students will complete a series of increasingly complex group build projects, and build their skills in basic electricity, electronics and industrial design. Over the past 3 Fridays, the group completed their first assignment: the construction of two photovoltaic panels. The short video above captures a few scenes from their experience.

In two weeks, the group will begin a unique solar-powered lantern project in conjunction with the Cooper Union. Stay tuned for pictures and updates!


Posted on Monday, March 22nd, 2010 at 10:08 am | Tagged in Solar One | posted by SolarOne

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