Curious Youth Discovers Efficient Solar Technology

In good news for our planet, Georgia Hutchinson, an innovative 13-year-old girl just created a genius way to allow solar panels that are able to generate more electricity by following the location of the sun from dawn until dusk.

Traditional solar panels are not only expensive, but they are also set up to point in only one direction. They are equipped with trackers but they can only follow the sun by moving along two different axis.

Curious about what a solar panels capabilities would be if it were able to follow the sun at all times, she borrowed an equation that was developed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to find out. She discovered that a data-driven dual-axis solar trackers could reduce the payback period of investing in solar by up to 40% in some areas of the world using this equation.

This discovery just won her a $25,000 top prize in the National Broadcom MASTERS Competition, one of the most prestigious science and engineering competitions for middle schoolers in America. Over 2,500 young teenage scientists are considered for their experiments in STEM-related fields.

Paula Golden, President of the Broadcom said this about the contest, “ The Broadcom Foundation is honored to champion young scientists, engineers, and innovators and spur them on to greatness. These kids are exemplars of the quality work being done by middles schoolers with their teachers, mentors, and families throughout the US. The finalists are representative of special young people who are preparing themselves to solve the grand challenges we face through the world.”

Enchanted Little World is a daily blog highlighting good news, funny videos, happy people and inspiring stories from around the world.  Give each day a “high-five of happiness” with Enchanted Little World.