The two solar-energy systems will provide Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury (UC) with clean energy and serve as teaching and research tools for staff and students in the Faculty of Engineering.
“We need more solar in our lives and these systems show we can put solar everywhere,” says Dr Jannik Haas, Director of Studies for Renewable Energy in UC’s Department of Civil and Natural Resources Engineering. “These solar systems provide a unique opportunity for our students to engage hands-on with cutting-edge renewable energy technologies, complementing our existing portfolio of renewable systems on campus.”
One of the installations, the Solar Sunflower, is the first of its kind in New Zealand and stands about 5 metres tall when fully unfurled. The sculpture features photovoltaic modules on its ‘petals’ which track the sun’s movement to maximise electricity generation.
The second system involves the installation of semi-translucent solar glass panels at the awning of the Engineering and Physical Sciences (EPS) Library. These panels replace traditional roofing and shading materials while generating electricity.
Both solar installations will serve as practical teaching resources for students in the Master of Engineering Studies degree specialising in Renewable Energy, as well as facilitate data collection for ongoing research projects.
Golden Solar donated the two systems to UC’s Faculty of Engineering. Founding Director Shawn Huang attended the unveiling, expressing his enthusiasm for the projects.
“The Solar Sunflower and Building-Integrated Solar projects exemplify the powerful synergy between innovation, education, and sustainability, demonstrating how clean energy solutions can seamlessly integrate into both architectural spaces and daily life,” Huang says.
The electricity generated by these systems will help contribute to the University’s sustainability goals.
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