ABSTRACT
LABSOLAR is the solar energy laboratory at Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina in Brazil. On top of the more fundamental research activities carried out on photovoltaics, LABSOLAR is also interested in the widespread dissemination of solar energy technologies. Since University students are future decision-makers, targeting these students appears to be a promising medium-term strategy for disseminating information on PV. In that context is that in November 1998, LABSOLAR promoted, together with GREENPEACE, a 4-hour PV-powered rock concert. The concert took place on campus and attracted an estimated 25 thousand people (entrance was free). The idea was to demonstrate the concept of both grid-connected and stand-alone PV systems to an audience largely unaware of the potentials of PV power. A 2kWp grid-tied a-Si PV system injecting energy in the public grid since 1997, and a 5kWp poly-Si stand-alone PV system installed next to the stage guaranteed a 100% solar-powered show. The concert started at 6PM while the sun was still high in the sky, and finished at 10PM at night, also to demonstrate that solar energy works even when the sun is not shining. Three bands played one hour each, and during 15 minutes intervals a large screen showed videos explaining the wonders of PV technology to the audience. Images of the concert are available at www.iabiiolar.ufec.hr. The event attracted considerable media coverage and was national news on television and newspapers, which suited well the objectives of LABSOLAR. The paper details this and other PV dissemination activities promoted by the laboratory, as well as the follow-up of these activities.
