Sunpower Philippines Mfg. Ltd. (Cell Fab 2), FPIP, Batangas City
I worked in an industry that puts great value on renewable energy. My company belongs to the photovoltaic industry. The term "photovoltaic" comes from the Greek word “phōs” meaning "light", and "voltaic", meaning electric, from the name of the Italian physicist Volta. Yes, I am connected with SunPower, a solar cell manufacturer with headquarter in California, U.S.A. and with two manufacturing facilities in the Philippines and with an on-going expansion project in Malaysia. Our Vision “WE CHANGE THE WAY THE WORLD IS POWERED” and our Mission “To install at least 10 Gigawatts of solar by 2015”.
SINAG, the First Philippine Solar Car crossing the finish line in the 2007 Panasonic World Solar Challenge in Australia
2007 Panasonic World Solar Challenge Route
I am proud to say that my company has greatly supported the creation of the first Philippine solar car known as “Sinag” (Rays of the Sun) which participated in the 2007 Panasonic World Solar Challenge in Australia in October 2007 and ranked 12th place and the second solar car known as “Sikat” (Sunrise) which had a series of roadshows during the first quarter of this year. “Sikat” will be the Philippines’ entry to the 2011 World Solar Challenge. The World Solar Challenge is a solar powered-car race over 3,021 kilometers through central Australia from Darwin to Adelaide. The competition aims to work for a clean and green environment by motivating research and development for alternative power sources. Since Danish adventurer Hans Thorstrup’s introduction of the competition in 1987, more than 300 entries from all over the world have joined this remarkable journey.
SINAG “Rays of the Sun” (1st Philippine Solar Car)
SINAG solar car with the students of De La Salle University
The SINAG solar car was designed and built by a group of faculty members and students from the mechanical engineering and the electronics and communications engineering departments of De La Salle University headed by Prof. Rene Fernandez with the support of SunPower Philippines, Ford Philippines, Motolite, Philippine Airlines, San Miguel Corporation, Shell, U-Freight and Ventus which formed the Philippine Solar Car Challenge Society, Inc. under the Chairmanship of Vince Perez.
The
Philippine Solar Car Challenge Society, Inc. is a non-stock, non-profit organization incorporated to promote the beneficial use of renewable energy sources –including, but not limited to, solar power. The Society aims to undertake a viable and continuing program for the study and application of renewable energy sources toward the development of a Philippine program for sustainable utilization of renewable energy.
SINAG Solar Car Launching
Sinag Mock-up Model
Me, 2nd from right with other SunPower employees during the SINAG launching in September, 2007 at the Fort Bonifacio, Global City, Makati
Me, 3rd from right with SunPower delegates
SunPower Team during the SINAG launching
The Mock-up Sinag Solar Car
Cheers SunPower !
With U.S. Ambassador, Kristie Anne Kenney
SunPower Team with Greg Reichow, VP - Operations (in white shirt)
SINAG is the symbol of national pride and a solid proof of Filipinos’ capability to stand alongside the rest of the world in developing solar power as a viable and sustainable source of energy. It also sends a message that the Philippines produces some of the most efficient solar cells in the world.
1st Philippine Solar Car.. SINAG
A-300 solar cells from SunPower boast the highest efficiency of any commercially available solar cell in the world
On top of SINAG’s shell is the most distinctive part of the car and the most visible part of its electrical system: the 400 solar cells that generate a combined output of as much as 2kW. Proudly Philippine-made, these industry-leading model A-300 solar cells from SunPower boast the highest efficiency of any commercially available solar cell in the world. The monocrystalline silicon structure of SunPower’s cells and their exclusive back-contact technology give them a distinctively smooth black surface, which helps them convert more of the sun’s energy into electrical energy than conventional cells do. Each cell has an efficiency of as much as 21%, whereas other commercial cells are rated from 15% to 17% at most.
SIKAT “Sunrise” (2nd Philippine Solar Car)
De La Salle University Students with the 2nd Philippine Solar Car... SIKAT
SIKAT solar car with some of the SunPower employees at Cell Fab 2, Batangas
The birth of SIKAT was inspired from the success of the country’s first solar car—Sinag—after ranking 12th in the World Solar Car Challenge in Australia besting some of the more experienced participants in the competition.
SIKAT solar car visits SunPower Philippines, FPIP, Batangas
"Sikat," the second solar-powered car built exclusively by Filipinos which was launched last December 21, 2009 embarked on a 50-day nationwide tour /roadshow covering over 20 venues during the first quarter of this year. Sikat replaces its older brother, "Sinag," and is poised to bring us to victory in the 2011 World Solar Challenge in Australia. The roadshow hopes to inspire more Filipinos to preserve the environment.
Sikat Solar Car stopped by SunPower Phils. from its roadshow in Batangas City
Me and some employees from SunPower Malaysia who are undergoing training at our facilities. From right, Abdul Hadi, Jabar, Me ~ Elvie, Venketesh and Sofian
Sporting the same sleek look as Sinag, Sikat boasts numerous improvements that will hopefully let it best its competitors. It weighs in at 190kg, roughly 100kg lighter than Sinag, and is likely to beat the latter's top speed of 112kph. Sikat also has a new wheel configuration: The drive wheel is now located in front as opposed to Sinag's rear-wheel drive setup.
The P5-million solar car is a product of the De La Salle University backed by its partners Ford Group Philippines, Inc., Motolite Batteries, Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corp., and
Sunpower Corp.
The car’s top surface is covered with solar cells provided by SunPower, the highest-efficiency commercial solar cells in the world. The solar cells are manufactured in two of our manufacturing facilities located in Laguna Technopark, Laguna and First Philippine Industrial Park, Batangas City.
Support our Philippine-made solar cars and help make a difference by supporting the Filipino ingenuity and save the environment.
