Teaching Renewable Energy Concepts with Portable Solar Panels: A Hands-On Learning Project
Abstract
This paper presents a hands-on educational project developed at the School of Engineering at Universidade Presbiteriana Mackenzie, designed to teach fundamental renewable energy concepts through the construction and testing of portable solar panel systems. Implemented every semester since August 2022, the initiative offers ten spots per term, with priority given to first-year undergraduate students, although students from other years are also welcomed to participate. The hands-on nature of the project has attracted students from multiple engineering courses. Participants engage in designing and assembling functional solar-powered devices, including mobile phone chargers, lanterns, and solar lamps. The project integrates theoretical instruction on photovoltaic principles with practical experimentation, enabling students to better understand solar energy conversion, system components, and efficiency considerations. Among those who have joined the project, approximately 90% successfully completed the entire eight-week program. However, only about 10% of participants have been women. By working collaboratively to solve real engineering problems, students strengthen technical skills, creativity, and critical thinking. Additionally, the activity promotes environmental awareness and highlights the role of renewable energy in sustainable development. This educational approach demonstrates how hands-on projects can enhance student engagement and deepen comprehension of complex concepts in engineering education.
Keywords
renewable energy education, solar panels, photovoltaic systems, hands-on learning, portable solar devices, engineering education