PRG at a Solar Energy Course, Stellenbosch (20th to 24th June 2016)
Dr. Santiago Septien Stringel and a MScEng student Tendayi Mugauri attended a course on solar energy, organised by the CRSES (Centre of Renewable and Sustainable Energy Studies), at the Institute of Sustainability in Stellenbosch.
The course focused on both photovoltaic and solar thermal energy systems from basic concepts to application. The Institute of Sustainability presented their social work in an informal settlement near Stellenbosch, which aims to provide basic electricity to single households by a simple and low cost PV system (within a program named iShack). The course included visits to a manufacturer of PV panels and power inverters, a wine factory where the electricity is completely provided by PV panels, the informal settlement to see the iShack project, and to the research facilities of the STERG (Solar Thermal Energy Research Group) at the University of Stellenbosch. The participants also participated in interactive sessions by building a solar furnace and in community work by explaining solar energy to a group of school children. At the end of the course, the participants had to give a group presentation about a given application of solar energy.
Building a solar furnace