University of Namibia staff member, Mr. Poland Amutenya Michael, from the Department of Physics, Chemistry & Material Science, recently received top recognition at the 68th Annual Conference of the South African Institute of Physics (SAIP), held at Rhodes University, South Africa. Currently a second-year PhD student at Nelson Mandela University (NMU), Poland was awarded Best PhD Oral Presentation in Applied Physics for his research in solar photovoltaic (PV) technology.
Poland’s journey into solar PV research has been driven by his passion for renewable energy and its potential to address some of the most pressing energy challenges in Namibia and beyond. He credits much of his interest in this field to the mentorship and guidance of his PhD co-supervisor, Dr. Petja Dobreva, who serves as a Physics Senior Lecturer at UNAM. “Dr. Dobreva’s expertise and encouragement have been instrumental in shaping my research focus and fuelling my enthusiasm for contributing to the growth of solar PV expertise in Namibia,” said Poland.
When asked about how he felt receiving the award, Poland shared, “When my name was called out for the award, I was overwhelmed with joy and gratitude. This recognition means the world to me because it acknowledges the countless hours, hard work, and dedication I have invested in my research. It is a testament to the support and guidance I have received from my supervisory team, colleagues, and family. This award not only boosts my confidence but also motivates me to continue pushing the boundaries of knowledge in my field.”
Envisioned PV Laboratory for Training Students and a Hub for Industry Consultation
His PhD journey is not just a personal aspiration but also part of a strategic effort to enhance the capabilities of his department. Poland is working to establish a dedicated PV laboratory that will serve as a training ground for students and a hub for industry consultation. This initiative is particularly important given Namibia’s increasing need for specialised solar PV professionals and educators to ensure a sustainable energy future.
Explaining his research, Poland stated, “When a solar panel, also called a PV module, is partially shaded, it does not just lose power – it also heats up. Unlike other materials that cool down in the shade, a partially shaded solar panel can get hot enough to potentially cause a fire if its safety features fail. My research explores how solar panels behave when they are operating under these conditions, to help make them safer and more efficient.”
Poland’s research journey has not been without its challenges. He faced difficulties in measuring currents in different parts of the solar panel, a problem he overcame by conducting a thorough literature review and discovering a suitable method. Also, sudden changes in weather conditions required repeated measurements, presenting logistical challenges but ultimately providing deeper insights into how weather fluctuations impact solar panels under partial shading conditions.
Collaboration is the secret formula
Collaboration has played a significant role in Poland’s research journey. He has worked closely with his main supervisor, Prof. Ernest van Dyk from NMU, and Dr. Dobreva, creating a diverse research environment. He also benefited from the partnership between UNAM and NMU, as well as his connection with PVinsight, a spin-off company from the NMU PV research group. Poland’s role as a student technician at PVinsight provided him with hands-on experience in solar PV testing and training, further enhancing his research capabilities. “The support, guidance, and feedback from my supervisory team, the NMU PV research group, and the PVinsight team were instrumental in shaping my research and achieving my findings,” Poland noted.
Reflecting on Poland’s achievements, Dr. Dobreva said, “First, I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Mr. Michael for earning this prestigious award. Mr. Michael’s achievement, even though he has been quite modest about it, is a remarkable testament to his dedication and exceptional research quality. Mr. Michael’s decision to do his PhD studies at the world-renowned research group at NMU, recognised globally for its excellent standards and pioneering advancements in photovoltaics (PV), is bearing fruit.
“For UNAM, and particularly for the PV Sub-Section, this award not only underscores the excellence of the candidates we send to other institutions but also highlights our commitment to advancing knowledge in the field. Mr. Michael’s success elevates our institution’s reputation and inspires continued innovation. We are extremely proud of Mr. Michael and eager for the positive impact his work will bring to the Photovoltaic Testing Lab (PVTL) at UNAM,” concluded Dr. Dobreva.
Original story by Delight, a Science Communication intern currently pursuing her 2nd year in a Bachelor of Science in Physics (Mathematics) (Honours).
