1. Project: Solar Lab Beginnings
Background: The solar energy lab at Harding encompasses three main projects: electrification of the Christian school in Peltan Haiti, an educational set up at Harding, and a possible component out at HUT to provide power for the water delivery system out there. Progress has been made on all of these projects, and a lot has been learned, but there is still a lot that could be done in the future.
Objectives:
Cost-free electricity for Haitian school
Educational set up at Harding
Generate enough power to get water delivery system at HUT working.
Findings/Solutions:
Time has been a challenge. Building solar panels is more time-consuming than expected.
A groundwork has been laid for next year’s class to develop a detailed design.
Most supplies have been purchased for building solar panels. The hope is that these will go out at HUT.
Documentation of everything done so far has been written in a report, with suggestions for next steps.
Image from Project
Benefits:
HEALTH: Indirectly could be beneficial to health due to education for adults.
SUSTAINABILITY: This is currently unknown due to lack of testing, but it should be a goal as the lab continues.
COST: So far has been covered by grant. It would be beneficial to have another grant to complete the project next year.
OWNERSHIP: This is difficult on the Haitian side of things, but for the students, the solar lab has high value in this area.

2. What has been done?
Research to understand solar energy and how it works has been conducted and documented.
Most of the parts have been purchased to make a few solar panels.
Calculations for electricity needs in Haiti (We need at least 180 W worth of solar panels.)
Fluorescent bulbs have been chosen.
The plan is to make solar panels for educational purposes and possible use at HUT, but to buy panels for Haiti for increased durability and sustainability.

3. What has been done? (cont.)
Some of the solar cells have been sorted and soldering tabs on the backs has begun.
Plans for a frame are in place.
A general design for the system has been made

4. General System Design

5. Next Steps Build frame and complete solar panel.
Test and learn from first panel.
Detailed design of system.
Possible implementation at HUT.
Developing a more educational setup for the portion of the solar lab here at Harding.