SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEM DESIGN USING ADVANCED LEARNING AIDS (SOLEDA): AN EU TEMPUS PROJECT

The aim of SOLEDA project is to develop a certified technical training programme for graduates and technicians in the field of decentralized solar energy systems. The duration of the project is 3 years starting 15th October 2013. Such a project fits within the Lisbon strategy, which aims to stimulate growth and create more and better jobs, while making the economy greener and more innovative. The decentralized systems to be taught during the programme rely on using photovoltaics panels for producing small amounts of electricity for powering homes, for pumping water from wells and for desalinating water. Similarly, the programme considers also solar thermal systems to be used for both the generation of domestic hot water and for air conditioning purposes. The overall project is designed in partnership with EU universities, academies and organizations who mobilize their educational resources and knowledge for enriching the lives of Egyptian citizens.

The consortium is formed by 12 Institutions:
1- University Complutense of Madrid (Spain): Coordinator of the project
2- Egypt Nanotechnology Research Center (Egypt)
3- Agricultural University of Athens (Greece)
4- Heriot-Watt University (United Kingdom)
5- Fachhochschule Aachen (Germany)
6- Studio Wolf s.r.l. (Italy)
7- Cairo University (Egypt)
8- Fayoum University (Egypt)
9- South Valley University (Egypt)
10- BIC for Electronics, Environment & Energy (Egypt)
11- German-Arab Chamber of Industry and Commerce (Egypt)
12- Resala Charity Organisation (Egypt)

The duration of the Diploma is organized for one year and its delivery will take place at the partnering Egyptian Universities (Cairo University, Fayoum University and South Valley University). The overall Diploma programme consists of three major components: theory, practical training and simulations design. The simulations programme is available in English and Arabic language in order to reach the wide spectrum of Arabic students in the region.

Toward the end of the Diploma programme, participants will design and install a small solar-electric or hot water system for a local Egyptian community. These hands-on installations will give participants the opportunity to experience both the challenges and satisfaction of working directly with local members of the community. Thus, at the end of the programme, participants will have the opportunity to understand, design, and install systems that can dramatically improve the living conditions of the local people in Egypt.

The specific objectives of SOLEDA project are the followings:
- As a condition for the success of the Lisbon strategy, the purpose of the project is to improve education, employment prospects, raise environmental awareness and teach Egyptians in designing compliant solar energy systems.
- To bridge the skills gap between academia and industry through a six month Diploma in decentralised solar energy systems.
- To provide aspiring entrepreneurs the technical staff necessary for starting businesses in the field of solar energy systems.
- To set up and equip three Egyptian educational centres in three partnering universities with the tools necessary for solar energy education.

Acknowledgments:
The SOLEDA consortium gratefully acknowledges the financial support of the European Union, European Commision TEMPUS (Education, Audiovisual & Culture Executive Agency, EACEA) (TEMPUS IV): Project Number 530296-TEMPUS-1-2012-1-ES-TEMPUS-JPHES.