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Project SolarFlex Grade 12 STEM Capstone Paper (Team EASY 99%)
Project SolarFlex Grade 12 STEM Capstone Paper (Team EASY 99%)
Abstract
Solar energy is a free and eco-friendly source of energy that converts sunlight into electrical energy.
This type of energy is a widely known alternative solution of struggling to access electricity,
particularly in developing countries where a massive population lacks access to affordable and
reliable electricity. The issue affects the quality of life of individuals and communities, including
student’s education and productivity. With the existing solar study lamp, several enhancements were
made. A solar study lamp provides an essential source of light at study hour, and to improve the
potential features of the current lamp, an innovation is made. This innovation involved adding
features, including a flexible lamp, a charging mechanism, and a multipurpose base, to extend the
beneficial effect of solar energy. This innovative product will provide a functional, versatile product to
improved and developed the quality of life of its users, particularly students. The projects subjectively
bridge for an economic application of the product to generate an efficient way of lighting.
Keywords: Solar-powered study lamp, phone charging mechanism, multipurpose base, limited access to
electricity, renewable energy, academic performance, quality of life.
Introduction
Access to electricity is a crucial issue in it difficult for students to study effectively.
many parts of the world, particularly in Furthermore, it limits the amount of time that
developing countries, where a significant students can devote to their studies, as they
portion of the population lacks access to may need to help with household chores
affordable and reliable electricity. This lack of during daylight hours. In addition, lack of
access to electricity affects the quality of life of access to electricity also affects the quality of
individuals and communities, including their education, as it limits the use of modern
health, education, and productivity. According technology such as computers and phones. All
to the articles by Sensix Team (2022) and these factors contribute to lower academic
Samuel, O. (2022), the lack of access to achievement and hinder economic
electricity has a significant impact on education development in these regions. To address this
in developing countries. It leads to poor lighting issue, solar-powered lamps have been
conditions which can cause eye strain, introduced as an alternative to traditional
headaches, and other health problems, making sources of lighting, but they often lack
additional features that could enhance their brightness of the lamp is dependent on the
utility (Boujrada, n.d.; Islam et al., 2017; battery level, Materials and manufacturing
Choudhary et al., 2019). techniques will limit the design of a solar light
Despite the availability of solar-powered with a charging USB port. and the project will
lamps, many people still lack access to focus solely on developing an efficient solar
affordable and efficient lighting solutions for lamp with a charging port.
studying and other activities in off-grid areas The SolarFlex lamp can improve the lives
(Sovacool, 2014). Additionally, the lack of of students in rural areas by providing a
phone charging options in these areas’ limits reliable source of light and phone charging,
communication and access to information. leading to improved academic performance
Furthermore, the need for multi-purpose and quality of life. It can benefit entire
features in solar-powered lamps has not been communities by providing affordable and
fully addressed, leaving consumers with limited sustainable lighting, improving productivity,
options (Owolabi et al., 2021). safety, and security. The use of solar lamps
This study aims to design and develop a can reduce reliance on fossil fuels and lower
solar-powered study lamp that serves as an carbon emissions, according to the World
alternative to kerosene lamps commonly used Nuclear Organization (n.d). The SolarFlex
in off-grid rural areas. Additionally, SolarFlex is lamp can also lead to further innovation in the
equipped with a USB port for charging mobile field of renewable energy and sustainable
phones, making it a valuable resource for development. The study's findings can have
individuals who live in areas with limited far-reaching implications for the global shift
access to electricity. Furthermore, the study towards renewable energy and sustainable
aims to incorporate multi-purpose features in living.
the lamp to enhance its functionality and Methodology
versatility. Through this project, we aim to 1. Review of Related Literature
improve the quality of life of people in rural Conducting a thorough RRL for Project
areas by providing a safe, sustainable, and SolarFlex is crucial in developing a relevant
efficient lighting solution that is both affordable and innovative solar-powered study lamp with
and easily accessible. a phone charging mechanism and
The study will focus on a specific location, multipurpose base. It enables us to identify
limiting its applicability elsewhere. It has gaps in the literature and areas that require
limitations in terms of charging time and further investigation, ultimately influencing the
capacity for both study lamps and phones the success of our project.
2. Project Development Plan electrical tape, wire, flexible hose, fly wood,
The project development plan involves wall stickers and insulating gloves.
gathering materials, designing the product,
gather the feedback from a survey, and 2.2 Illustration of the Product Design
rigorous testing to ensure it meets quality
standards before.
The Journal of Energy Storage capacity of the solar charger and the
issues before moving on to the (N. U. Ahamed et al., 2013), the formula
The researchers will use the based on the said variables (Vanhoucke,
Table 1
Likert Scale for Functionality, Versatility and Effects on Quality of Life
Numerical Scale Confidence limit Verbal Verbal
for the mean
Description Interpretation
4 3.50-4.00 Strongly Agree Very Hight Extent
3 2.50-3.49 Agree High Extent
2 1.50-4.00 Disagree Low Extent
1 1.00-1.49 Strongly Disagree Very Low Extent
Table 3
Mean Perception of Solar-Powered Study Lamp with a Phone Charging Mechanism and
Multipurpose Base in terms of Versatility
We can conclude from the table 3, the average of 3.26, followed by items no. 3 with
overall mean of the data collected from the an average of 3.32. It means that the product
questions is 3.27 described as agree and is adaptable and can be used in various
interpreted as high extent. It revealed that the settings and for different purposes.
item no. 1, obtained the highest mean with an
From the table 4, the overall mean of the by item no. 2, with an average of 3. 42. It
data collected from the questions in solar- means that the product has successfully
powered study lamp in terms of improving addressed the needs and expectations of its
quality of life is 3.32 describes as agree and users, resulting in a positive impact on their
interpreted as high extent. The results revealed quality of life.
that the item no. 1 is 3.42, followed by item no.
3 with an average of 3.32 and lastly followed
The computed charging time for the resulted in a battery life of 8 hours. These
phone battery was 11.2 hours, but the actual results suggested that the computed values for
testing resulted in a charging time of 11 hours. both charging time and battery life may have
Similarly, the computed battery life for the been slightly different.
phone was 10 hours, but the actual testing
1.5 Battery Charging and Battery Life of Study Lamp with USB charging port
Table 6
Comparison of time required to fully charge a study lamp with USB charging port in terms of testing
and computing
Computed battery Result of battery Computed battery Result of battery life
charging charging life
15 Hours 14.8 Hours 18 Hours 17.5 Hours
The computed battery charging for study a battery life of 17.5 hours. These results
lamp with USB charging port was 15 hours, but indicate that the study lamp’s battery charging,
the actual testing resulted in a charging time of and life performance were slightly lower than
14.8 hours, Similarly, the computed battery life the computed values.
was 18 hours, but the actual testing resulted in
Based on the graph, the intensity of light electronic devices, enabling students to access
measured using a lux meter at the appropriate online educational resources, communicate
distance indicated that the brightness of a light with teachers and classmates, and complete
source decreases as the battery charge assignments outside of school hours.
decreases. Additionally, solar-powered study lamps can
provide lighting for studying, particularly in
Functionality, Versatility and Effects to the areas without electricity infrastructure, and help
To fully charge a phone and a battery, as 50% when the battery charge was low.
International Journal of Advanced Research in Owolabi, O. A., Oku, A. O., Alejo, A., Ogunbiyi,
Computer Science. (n.d.). T., &Ubah, J. I. (2021). ACCESS TO
http://www.ijarcs.info/index.php/Ijarcs ELECTRICITY, INFORMATION AND
COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY (ICT),
https://www.solarpowernerd.com/solar-panel-
wiring-series-vs-parallel/ UNICEF Burundi (n.d.). Changing lives through
solar-powered lamps.
https://www.unicef.org/burundi/stories/changin
g-lives-through-solar-powered-lamps
Vanhoucke, M. (2018). The Data-Driven
Project Manager. In Apress eBooks. Ali, H., (2021). Study on the Influence of Light
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4842-3498-3 Intensity on the Performance of Solar Cell
https://doi.org/10.1155/2021/6648739
APPENDIX A
(CONSENT LETTER FOR APPROVAL AND VALIDATION)
APPENDIX B
QUESTIONNAIRE
The Functionality, Versatility and Effects to the Quality of Life of the product will be answered using
the Four Points Likert Scale
Numerical Scale Confidence limit Verbal Verbal
for the mean
Description Interpretation
4 3.50-4.00 Strongly Agree Very Hight Extent
3 2.50-3.49 Agree High Extent
2 1.50-4.00 Disagree Low Extent
1 1.00-1.49 Strongly Disagree Very Low Extent
Statement 4 3 2 1
1. The solar-powered study lamp is easy to operate and control.
2. The solar-powered study lamp provides sufficient illumination
for studying and other activities.
3. The phone charging mechanism integrated into the solar
powered study lamp is reliable.
Open-ended Questionnaire
1. In what ways do you think a solar-powered can benefit students in developing countries with
limited access to electricity?
2. Do you have any suggestions or feedback for improving the SolarFlex study lamp?
APPENDIX C
DOCUMENTATION
Time of Charging = Battery Capacity (mAh) ÷ Charging Battery Life = Battery Capacity (mAh) ÷ Current Drain
Current (mA) (mA)
Computed Cellphone Charging time= Computed Battery Life = 5000 mAh ÷ 500 mA = 10 hrs.
500 mAh ÷ 446 mA = 8hrs Result Cellphone Battery Life = 5000 mAh ÷ 625 mA = 8
hrs.
Result of Computed Charging time in testing = 500 mAh
÷ 455 = 11 hr
Battery Life Computed Battery Life = 3600 mAh ÷ 200 mA = 18 hrs.
Battery Life = Battery Capacity (mAh) ÷ Current Drain Result Battery Life = 3600 mAh ÷ 205 mA = 17.5 hrs
(mA)
Battery Life = Battery Capacity (mAh) ÷ Current Drain
Computed Battery Life = 1209 mAh ÷ 69 mA = 17.5 hrs (mA)
Result Battery Life = 1209 mAh ÷ 81.7 mA = 15 hrs Computed Battery Life = 1209 mAh ÷ 80.6 mA = 15 hrs.
Battery Life = Battery Capacity (mAh) ÷ Current Drain Result Battery Life = 1209 mAh ÷ 81.7 mA = 14.8 hrs.
(mA)
In what ways do you think a solar-powered can benefit students in developing countries with limited access to electricity?
"a solar-powered device can benefit students in developing countries with limited access to electricity by providing them with
access to educational resources, extending study hours, improving academic performance, and promoting environmental
sustainability"
"Affordability"
"less cost"
"Installing these help your environment become more sustainable and less reliant on the grid and non-renewable resources ,
especially when we're studying it helps us a lot to focus on what we're doing."
"In a way that even though electricity can't reach them they have another source or way that provides for them not to be left out
in this time of technology."
"Students can study anytime and anywhere, even in remote areas without electricity infrastructure, enabling them to continue
learning outside traditional classroom settings."
"it can provide a reliable source of power for charging electronic devices, such as laptops, tablets, and smartphones, which are
critical tools for learning in the modern age. This can enable students to access online educational resources, communicate with
teachers and classmates, and complete assignments outside of school hours."
"They can easily study because of the solar powered study lamp"
"It is solar-paneled, a great example would be the Philippines by its hot climate. Especially considering in Oriental Mindoro where
black outs happen more often than not, this is useful paired with Philippines' scorching heat in the summers."
"A solar-powered lamp can provide light for studying and improve educational opportunities for students in developing
countries."
"Solar-powered lights can provide extended study hours for students who may not have access to electricity at home. This can
help them to study for longer periods of time, improving their academic performance."
"A solar-powered can provide students with access to a vast amount of educational resources"
"Sustainable and cost-effective solution, Empowerment through technology skills, and Improved study environment"
"It is hard to reach the technology base world without having a medium that could let them, through this they would be able to
cope up with technology-based world."
"It can enhance their educational opportunities and improve learning conditions"
"It helps students who live in an off-grid area with no access of electricity in terms of, they can use this product in their studying
at night charge their phone that needs if they have an online class"
"students can continue to learn and study even when there is no electricity available. It can also develop their digital skills and
gain access to new opportunities"
"solar power empowered students, bridging the digital divide and fostering educational equality in resource-constrained
environment"
"Solar panels for schools help in reducing pollution and carbon footprint which are two of the causes of climate change in our
country."
"This will help students if they don't have electricity when doing activities at home by providing them a reliable and sustainable
source of power"
"Solar-powered can benefit students in developing countries with limited access to electricity in several ways: 1. Lighting 2.
Extended Study Hours 3.Charging Electronic Devices 4. Environmental sustainability"
"Access to educational resources: Solar-powered devices can provide students with access to educational resources, such as e-
books, videos, and online courses, that can enhance their learning experience."
"It can be a good benefit for countries that has limited access to electricity for it is a very versatile and an easy to use equipment
Since students are allowed to be in school at daytime this can lessen their section bills when it comes to electricity and its eco-
friendly"
"Particularly in places with uncertain or nonexistent grid connections, solar power can provide a consistent and reliable source of
electricity. This makes sure that even after sunset, students can access electricity for studying, using technology, and finishing
their homework."
"It can help lessen the consume of electricity and use solar as it is more accessible."
"By giving those children a good source of energy specially a light that can use to make a homework at night."
"With the availability of a solar-powered lamp and charging area, students can effectively engage in their academic tasks and
study efficiently."
"Acquiring light for studying will cost no money and therefore saving electricity bills."
"Economically"
"It can help them to have lights and electric power comes to our sun"
"In way that they can use it properly and not electric consuming"
"Solar-powered study lamps eliminate the need for expensive and often unavailable
conventional lighting solutions like electricity or kerosene lamps. By harnessing the power of the sun, students can save money
on purchasing fuel or batteries for traditional lighting sources. "
"This cost-saving aspect makes solar-powered study lamps a more sustainable and affordable option for students in resource-
constrained environments."
"Reduces electric bills since you will be meeting some if your energy needs with the electricity your solar system has generated,
your bills will drop"
"Sakop niya na kasi lahat so mapapadali yung gawain ng isang tao dahil don"