During this internship I got to see what the actual installation of solar panels looks like and I got to see what you can realistically create that can run on solar. One thing that this process taught me was that I don't want to be doing the manual labor thats involved with installing panels but I would much rather be creating better technology and somehow advancing the field in more meaningful ways. Another thing that I realized is that solar energy is consistent but it doesn't create energy at the same rate that we consume it unless you're willing to spend close to 50,000 dollars on installing it. This internship allowed me to learn more about electricity, what it is and how to make it work in our lives. Not only did I learn a few basic electrical tricks but I also learned how to design and create features that can run on the constant and endless supply of energy that the sun gives us.
Resume
My internship process
Securing this internship took a lot of planning and thought about what workplace I want to spend a month in. I have always been concerned about the use of fossil fuels so in turn I have always wanted to be involved in renewable resources so an internship in this field was my top choice. I was also looking for possible internships in the medical field and the engineering field. The reason that I landed on this solar internship is because it involves both the field of renewable resources and engineering. I am exited to learn more about these lines of work and whether or not I want to pursue them. After finding a mentor and the right business for me I started planning my internship project. After discussing multiple ideas with my mentor Derek I landed on the project of creating a solar panel and a converter to demonstrate how this technology works and to learn more about it myself. Designing a solar panel will give me insight on how renewable resources work and how they are used to power a ski lift or a house.
Week #1
At my internship I first brainstormed project ideas with my mentor and learned about how the company Solar Works runs. For my project we decided a solar powered swamp cooler could be a useful project and realistic. It will also be an opportunity for me to lear about how to set up a solar powered device and how solar energy is harnessed. To start my project I researched other swamp coolers to base my design off of. I also did measurements on my window to see what size materials I want to builded the structure out of. Once I got a basic idea of what my project would look like I then went to home depo to get all of the materials for the swamp cooler. Got to participate in this difficult repair job on a job that Solar Works had done 8 years ago. This showed me how much planned and thought need to go into setting these systems up.
Week #2
This week we started setting up a roof that we needed to install 40 solar panels onto. I also started building my project and getting all the parts for it together. Spent a few days this week learning more about how to set up a dc electrical system and what steps are necessary to ensure a working and safe project. While setting up the house for the 40 panels that we have to install I learned how the dc to ac inverter works and how to set it up. The solar panels we are installing create dc energy current while a household runs on ac so we have to install a way to invert that energy.