Creating devices or models powered by solar energy was the aim of the first mini photovoltaic (PV) science fair and competition, said a top official of the Sustainability for Seychelles (S4S) organisation.

“We had invited schools to stimulate the active use of educational solar PV kits which were donated to all primary and secondary schools”, explained the director of S4S, Michele Martin.

The science fair and exhibition forms part of an energy education project being implemented by S4S with funding support from the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI). It aims at promoting hands-on lessons in solar PV in the schools of Seychelles, a group of 115 islands in the western Indian Ocean. S4S provided training for teachers and youth in use of the solar PV kits in preparation for the national mini-science fair competition. 

First photo: S4S Director Michele Martin with students and teacher from participating primary schools. Second photo: Anse Boileau in the primary category had the best models.(Salifa Magnan, Seychelles News agency) Photo License: CC-BY

The students had six weeks to work on their projects, and twelve schools were showcasing different innovative models, generating power from the PV kits in the exhibition. The exhibits comprised of a PV panel, battery, some power cords as well as some basic tools and most models were of houses with the panels on the roof powering different appliances such as fans and televisions among others.

Anse Boileau primary school on the western side of the main island Mahe, and Mont Fleuri secondary school in the centre of the island had the best models.

“Our project is showcasing a solar panel, connected to the battery, then to a controller and finally to a dynamo which powers our PVTV, a photovoltaic television”, said Lauren Jacques from Anse Boileau school.   

First photo: Mont Fleuri Secondary school won the first prize on Secondary level. Second photo: This year's winner, Mont Fleuri Secondary school demonstrating their project. (Salifa Magnan, Seychelles News agency) Photo License: CC-BY

Nahilda Hollanda and Jean-Jacques Eulentin from Mont Fleuri secondary said they completed their project which shows how a house can save a lot of money by not paying electricity and water bills, on the day of the fair. Their project comprised a solar panel generating electricity and charging a battery which in turn powers a water pump for harvesting rainwater to a storing tank.

Winners of the exhibition received cash prizes as well as excursions including a one day trip to Curieuse island where the students will be able to see how the solar energy is being used and the different conservation projects being implemented on the island.

A group photo of the science fair participants. (Salifa Magnan, Seychelles News agency) Photo License: CC-BY

Local companies also participated in the exhibition, and members of the public had the chance to view the school projects, and also interact with local energy businesses to find out more about energy services and technology currently available in Seychelles.

As an island nation, Seychelles is blessed with an abundance of sunshine almost every day of the year and with a worldwide cry for greener energy options, it is fitted that this issue is top on the country’s agenda.

A lot has been done and is being done to encourage greener practices and use of renewable energy. In 2014, the Seychelles Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Programme (SEEREP) was launched, and it provides funding for programmes promoting climate resilient and resource efficient technologies.  

SNA presents a collection of photos of the first mini PV science fair.(Salifa Magnan, Seychelles News agency) Photo License: CC-BY