Since this is a new class, this syllabus is liable to change
Goals of this Course
- To learn how to apply solar technology to address real world problems
- To incorporate knowledge about the context of the problem into the design
- To develop a larger-scale group project utilizing a currently available renewable energy supply.
Lectures
Each week, we will cover topics related to the technology and the context of small-scale solar energy. While the main topic varies each week, there will be a lecture on relevant technology for each week in the first half of the class. There will also be some guest lectures from experts involved in sustainable energy solutions.
Critique of Example Projects
Every week, we will see a demo/video of a related project, talk about how it was done, and critique it. We will present the ideas behind the project and its implementation. Then we will talk about what is good about the design, what is lacking in the design, why we think it will succeed or fail, and how to improve it.
Presentations
Each group will present aspects of the concept and the prototype during the various phases of the project development.
Assignments
There will be reading, videos, and design projects. All of the design projects will be done in groups. There are two small design sketches in the first half of the semester, then the second half of the semester is devoted to the final project.
Laptops
Laptops are tools as well as very effective instruments of distraction. Everyone benefits if we all pay attention. We'll do our best to keep the class interesting, we hope you will join us in that. You are welcome to use your laptop in class when we are lecturing, or when it is relevant to the classwork being presented. However, during discussions, guest presentations, and when your fellow students are talking, please be respectful of everyone's time and close the lid. If necessary, we will remind of this, but even better would be if everyone does so naturally.
Classes
Class 1 (9/11) Introduction
- introduction to the instructors
- explanation of class structure
- what goes into creating a complete solar energy system?
- what is different about small scale solar?
- difference between energy sources (oil, gas, sunlight) and energy services (lighting, heat, motive power, cooking fuel)?
- How does this distinction relate to small scale solar?
- design for affordability
- what technology is relevant? solar, electronics, IT, communications, etc.
- Technology: what are solar panels and how do they work?
- Project Critique: SELCO headlamp for midwives
- Assignment:
Class 2 (9/18) From Problem to Idea to Technology to Design
Dr. Harald Schuetzeichel, CEO of Stiftung Solarenergie will walk us through the process of designing, producing, selling, and maintaining the Sun Transfer lamps.
- technology, business, design, and finance working together in small-scale solar
- unique elements of the Ethiopian context
- initial problem and goals
- design and technology
- affordability and financing
- getting feedback from the target market and users
- testing them in Ethiopia
- redesigning based on feedback and real-world experience
- Project Critique: Harald guides us through the design cycle of the Sun Transfer 1 and Sun Transfer 2
- Assignment:
- sketch out an solution to the problem presented in class. In groups. To be presented next class.
- read loads from Rural Electrification with Photovoltaics
Class 3 (9/25) Solar Energy Technologies and their Uses
- Present: solar product sketches from last week, 10 minutes present/5 minutes discussion
- solar PV modules
- batteries
- lights (CFL, LEDs)
- charging
- radios, TVs, refrigeration
- designing a solar system for a given use
- Technology: Batteries and energy storage
- Project Critique: SELCO solar lantern rental business and night markets (sunlebob)
- Assignment:
- choose any problem you would like to address and create a concept around it, in groups.
- read batteries from Rural Electrification with Photovoltaics
Class 4 (10/2) The role of information technology in solar design
- Present: initial concept product sketches, 10 minutes present/5 minutes discussion
- Access to information about products, prices, distribution channels
- information allows people to make better decisions, market prices, etc.
- Emergence of mobile phones in developing countries - money transfer services, mobile banking, SMS
- Introduction of wifi, mesh, and other solutions for streamlining solar business processes to improve access and affordability
- SMS & mobile phones
- techniques for data-logging
- Technology: charge controllers
- Project Critique: SMS Info Gathering for Solar Systems in the Philippines
- Assignment:
Class 5 (10/9) Solar Energy and Development
- Present: revise last week's product sketches, 10 minutes present/5 minutes discussion
- How can solar products improve the lives of people in developing countries - health, education, income poverty, access to information, etc.?
- What products do people typically use to meet their needs currently?
- What are the economic, social, and environmental implications associated with using these "traditional" sources of energy?
- How do these existing human behaviors - spending patterns, energy priorities, income patterns, cultural activities, etc. - need to be taken into consideration when designing solar products and business models?
- communicating using simple technology, using simple techniques to communicate what a solar product is doing (i.e. charging, abuse, etc)
- Technology: testers and monitoring devices
- Project Critique: Barefoot Power Lamps
- Assignment:
Class 6 (10/16) Affordability and Access to Finance for End-Users
- How do people typically pay for energy currently?
- What are the ways in which an organization can make its products more affordable to target clients? (reducing cost of product, streamlining production, distribution, maintenance channels, financial options, etc.)
- What is the role of microcredit/microfinance?
- What are the challenges associated with a microfinance institution financing solar products to their clients?
- Case Studies on MFIs, energy companies financing their own products, micropayments
- common technical pitfalls:
- harsh conditions and treatment
- electrical protections
- low quality parts
- over-usage
- Project Critique: Philips woodstove
- Assignment:
- meet with your final group and start working on your final concept for week 7
Class 7 (10/23) Concept Presentations
- Present:Each group will present their idea to the class for review, with 15 mins to present and 15 mins of discussion. The expectation is that this idea will be the one you work on for the rest of the semester.
- guest critics: Tom Igoe and Niki Armacost, Co-Managing Director of Arc Finance
Class 8 (10/30) DIY, Maintenance, and After-sales service
- Present: core problem, use cases, and target market
- What are the typical maintenance activities necessary to ensure solar products are running properly?
- making sense of data from data-loggers
- Project Critique: On-site assembly of solar systems by Solar-Aid and Uganda SPACE
- Special Guest: Toby Cumberbatch of Cooper Union; to discuss SociaLite DIY solar lanterns
Class 9 (11/6) Solar businesses in the developing world
- Present: technical approach and research existing structures related to project
- How are energy enterprises a critical link in sustainably improving access to solar?
- What are the main challenges facing a typical solar energy entrepreneur in developing countries? (supply chain, logistics, regulatory framework,
- guest critics: Jeff Fedderson, David Gibbs
- guest: Shayne McQuade, Founder of Voltaic Systems
Class 10 (11/13) Presentations on Project Sustainability
- Present: business and/or funding model
Each group will present how their project can become financially and organizationally sustainable:
- What is the business/funding model?
- How can the product be distributed?
- How can the product be maintained?
- How can the purchasing/financing be structured?
- Special Guest: Ellen Morris, Co-Managing Director of Arc Finance
Class 11 (11/20) Review of Technology and Project Workshop
- Present: plan for implementation and the technology used.
There will also be a workshop section to figure out technical solutions for each project.
Class 12 (12/4) Prototype Presentations and Project Workshop
- Present: a working prototype of the product
Each group will present a working prototype to the class and guest critics. Each group should also present a plan for user testing.
Class 13 (12/11) User Feedback/Market Research and Project Workshop
- Present: user feedback and its relation to market research
This class will be for working through technical issues in the prototype, core business/financing ideas, and reviewing the final presentations.
Class 14 (12/16) Final Project Presentations
This class is subject to rescheduling based on ITP schedule changes and the schedule of the guest critics. We will be reviewing all of the final projects with guest critics.
