A team of three final year students studying Bachelor’s of Science in electronics at the University of Malawi (UNIMA) has solar-powered tracking system.
The three are Samson Chilasa 22 and 23-year olds Alinafe Gama and James Thera.
Speaking to ProjectM, Chilasa, Team Leader for the grouping who comes from Traditional Authority Kabudula in Lilongwe said the new technology is powered by at least four solar panels.
Chilasa said: “Whether in remote locations or integrated into existing infrastructure, our tracking system offers flexible, scalable solutions, for enhancing solar energy generations to effectively generate power based on implementation and adjustment in accordance to the sun’s position and how this can be maximise to ensure consistent.
“However, the proposed tracker uses four different solar panels and different sensor types allowing the panels to rotate from the North to South, including from East to West directions and follows the sun to optimise the capture of solar energy which is perfect for large scale solar farms and commercial.”
To young and up-and-coming innovators, he has encouraged them to stay true to their values and strive for excellence in everything they do to achieve meaningful change.
“Success is requires dedication, resilience and determination.
“Every effort you make brings you closer to that future version of yourself and therefore do not be discouraged by past setbacks,’’ he said.
On his part, Enoch Kachokola, an innovation Expert from the University of Malawi said tracking the sun to maximise solar energy production per solar panel is a great idea.
Kachokola, who recently invented a fuel-less generator but currently working at the physics department with the University of Malawi, told ProjectM that solar-tracking system is a great solution to harnessing more energy for Malawi’s future electricity needs.
“Whether for personal, commercial or agricultural use, such innovations are eco-friendly and cost effective as they reduce energy costs and promote sustainable practices while producing zero carbon omissions.
“However, overall performance consideration of innovation funding is a must for these innovators to thrive in their operations hence the need for both the government and the private sector to prioritise innovation for significant change,’’ he said.
For more details, you may contact Samson Chilasa on: +265 998 38 55 88.
