Team 28 focused on the Sustainability in Space aspect of the design challenge, in terms of creating resources for power generation, with the main focus on primary power generation from sunlight, snow and water.
The SolarNano Generator aims to maximize energy production with minimum land use, due to limited land space on Planet Howler. In order to do this, the team designed a space-efficient solar panel that is reversible and is covered with silicon rubber and doubles as a triboelectric nanogenerator. In addition, to enhance portability and flexibility, the panel is able to rotate based on the direction of sunlight or snowfall, as well as wheels at the bottom to allow it to move easily. The SolarNano Generator is designed to suit the yearly climate, as during summer months the solar panels can be optimized, and during winter months when temperatures reach -25°C the reversible side of the panel displays a triboelectric nanogenerator. In addition, the solar panel can also be utilized during rainfall due to the buildup of static electricity. The SolarNano generates power from renewable sources of energy in all environmental conditions to create sustainable living.