Shining a light on renewable energy has crowned Marymount College Burleigh Waters student Elise Nguyen winner of the 2024 Mayor's Technology and Innovation Awards.
The Gold Coast Year 9 student’s powerful project, Sunflower Solar, harnesses solar energy through a sophisticated system that mimics the way young sunflowers track the sun.
Elise's invention won her a total of $6,000 in prizes— including $5,000 for her school and $1,000 for herself, plus a talk delivered to students at Marymount College by tech specialists Cohort Innovation Space.
Her creation features a traction device that controls the movement of solar panels, adjusting their rotation to capture the optimal amount of sunlight.
Elise explained that “a light sensor detects the intensity of sunlight and pivots the panels, increasing efficiency of solar panels by an impressive 60 per cent”.
“My design utilises existing mounts and solar panels, incorporating a small motor and pivot,” she said.
"I was inspired by how young sunflowers track the sun to get the most energy, and I wanted to bring that idea to solar panels.
"By mimicking this natural movement, Sunflower Solar can make renewable energy more efficient and accessible.”
Marymount College teacher Grant Grierson said Sunflower Solar stood out not only for its innovation but for its real-world potential.
“With plans to turn the idea into a full-scale industrial product, Elise has set the foundation for a roadmap to mass production,” he said.
"Sunflower Solar has the potential to be a real game changer, especially in today’s world where electricity costs are soaring.
“By making renewable energy more affordable and efficient, it offers a sustainable solution that could transform how we power our lives.
“Elise’s triumph at the Mayor's Technology and Innovation Awards highlights the power of youth-led innovation.
“We congratulate Elise on this remarkable accomplishment and look forward to seeing how she continues to inspire others and make a difference in our world."
For more information about Marymount College Burleigh Waters or to enrol click here.
About the Mayor's Technology and Innovation Awards:
The Mayor’s Technology and Innovation Awards are open to year 8-12 students with innovative, technological ideas waiting to be discovered. Students who make it to the mentoring phase of the awards are immersed in the local start-up community and have access to some of the best technological minds of the Gold Coast.