IIT Bombay introduces kids to renewable energy

IIT Bombay’s compact solar energy device is now introducing school-going children to the world of renewable energy. The small-sized device with adjustable solar panels has not only been adopted by a number of Kendriya Vidyalaya schools across the country, it is slated to be incorporated in the new subject of solar energy that will be added to the curriculum this year onwards.

P. Pradeep, an IITian from the department of energy, science and engineering who spearheaded the project, said that the core idea behind it was to create awareness among students who would shape our future.

“There have been talks to create awareness about renewable energy and lessen the burden on our natural resources but the process of realisation starts a little later than expected. We have to understand that it is difficult to make an adult mend his or her ways but it is easier to educate children about the same,” he said.

Mr Pradeep and his team focused on the fact that solar or renewable energy was yet to find its way to the educational curriculum. At the same time, the idea of inculcating a practical approach towards the field encouraged them to develop the prototype.

“The prototype is a small-sized solar plant along with adjustable panels. The children can simply adjust the panels of the prototype to ensure maximum exposure to sunlight and the plant creates energy, enough to charge a bulb. The machine also has several dials that show the amount of energy collected,” informed Mr Pradeep.

As the prototype was manufactured with the help of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), it has been inducted into the curriculum of union government-run Kendriya Vidyalayas across various states.

Moreover, looking at the popularity of the prototype, it is soon to be adopted by all Kendriya Vidyalayas across the nation.

“What elated us is that our project is actually introducing school children to the world of renewable energy. Only if they are aware will they make better choices than their predecessors amidst threats of global warming and diminishing natural resources,” said Mr Pradeep.