SolarCare - SolarVisit
Past Event
2021-05-05
Virtual SolarVisit X Lingnan Hang Yee Memorial Secondary School: Explore Plover Cove Reservoir
A virtual SolarVisit was held under The Jockey Club SolarCare Programme. By the virtual tour at Plover Cove Reservoir, participants got the chance to view and understand the solar energy system with floating panels through their computer monitors.
On 5 May, with the application of online conferencing, CarbonCare InnoLab led 34 participants from Lingnan Hang Yee Memorial Secondary School’s Environmental Protection Society and Science Society to explore the solar system at Plover Cove Reservoir. With the clear and detailed touring by Mr. Clement Leung, the previous head of the Mechanical and Electrical (Projects) Division in the Water Supplies Department, the group had the opportunity to visit the restricted areas and to closely observe the space-saving solar energy system with floating panels. The presentation was absolutely comprehensive covering the nature of the solar system with floating panels, advantages and global development trends as well. Apart from this background knowledge, the speaker also illustrated the designs and technical features of both Plover Cove and Shek Pik Reservoirs. With an ending of his views on the possibility of fully applying this to all Hong Kong Reservoirs. Participants were gifted with an informative and rewarding tour. Floating solar panels can slow down the evaporation of water reserves and control the growth of algae, protecting the water resources in a more comprehensive way and further contributing to carbon reduction can really be the conclusion of a solar system with floating panels. It is essential in mitigating climate change by replacing coal-fired power with a solar energy system.
In the second half of the event, Mr. Leung shared about topics not mentioned in the video. He revealed that the frequent occurrence of typhoons in Hong Kong and water-level fluctuation of water reserves influence the installation angle of solar energy devices. Furthermore, given that the solar system is built in a freshwater environment, no frequent maintenance and monitoring works are required. Instead, inspection on an annual basis is sufficient. The teacher of Lingnan Hang Yee Memorial Secondary School asked about the limitations of installing floating solar power systems and the possibilities of building solar power systems in marine environments. Besides, students remarked that they have learned a lot about solar power generation through Mr. Leung’s detailed and clear explanation during this virtual SolarVisit.
CarbonCare InnoLab will continue to hold different SolarVisit to take the public into the world of renewable energy. For details of future events, please pay attention to Facebook announcements.