Whiz Kids energising the future

A trio of whiz kids from Trench Town Polytechnic College has found a way to make the sun work for them -- and it could be their big break.

Though their idea strays from typical energy ventures, their bold innovation has the potential to help Jamaica cut its dependence on fossil fuel for power generation.

The students, Barrington Phillips, Kenzo Stewart and Rodger Sinclair have launched Solar Whizz Limited, a start-up born from a final-year project in the computer engineering department. The all-male team has engineered a solar tracker system that follows the sun from dawn to dusk, capturing every drop of sunlight to convert into energy for Jamaican homes.

"Our solar tracker captures sunlight from sunrise to sunset, stores it in a battery, then sends it through an inverter to convert from DC to AC current so it can power regular household appliances," explained 23-year-old Stewart, one of the masterminds behind the venture.

But this isn't just coursework -- it's a business in the making.

Solar Whizz Limited, a name inspired by their self-declared 'wizardry' in overcoming project hiccups, is already offering real solutions. Their mobile solar maintenance company sells and installs solar UPS systems, batteries, charge controllers, and PCB switches, with a special focus on Kingston and St Catherine.

"We want to go very far with this," said Stewart. "Not just for the coursework, but as a full-time business. People always complain about high electricity costs and we're trying to fix that."

Its slogan says they're ready to "energize the future one panel at a time".

Jamaica has set a target of having 50 per cent renewables in the electricity sector by 2030. The country's energy policy prioritises solar, wind and hydro as primary energy sources, with battery energy storage systems for grid stability, reliability and efficiency.

Last Friday, Trench Town Polytechnic hosted its small business management symposium, where students from across disciplines launched eco-conscious businesses in line with the United Nation's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Projects included home-made facial products, organic food booths, a greenhouse for the elderly and, of course, Solar Whizz's solar tracker device.

"The aim is to give students practical experience in running their own businesses," said Rushelle Clarke-Lindsay, lecturer and symposium coordinator.

"This is more than grades, it's about building the next generation of entrepreneurs."

"We want to ensure that, at the end of the programme, our students get the first-hand experience as to what it really is, as it pertains to starting their own businesses, creating their business plans and launching their businesses to be successful."

Students showcased ventures spanning renewable energy, organic skincare, sustainable agriculture, and geriatric care. Among the booths was a restaurant operated by hospitality and tourism students promoting the "eat what you grow" concept, along with a catering and decorating company.

The Solar Whizz device holds broad appeal. With Jamaica's push toward renewable energy, demand is growing for systems that are reliable, affordable, and easy to install.

By automating how solar panels follow the sun, the team's tracker boosts efficiency, helping homeowners get more bang for their solar buck.

Stewart believes the polytechnic's approach is vital for students like himself.

"It moves us away from the old idea of just going to look a 9-to-5 job," he said. "Now we can create jobs for ourselves and others."

With a clear vision to become the leading provider of solar UPS systems, Solar Whizz has already built a reputation for affordable, reliable service, promising professional customer care and full post-installation support.

Technician Daniel Gallego, featured in the company's brochure, says every team member is essential.

"From management to operational staff, we work together to meet our goals."

A proud Dr Dosseth Edwards, the institution's principal, says "Students from last year are already running their own companies and sending me their cards. The groups this year are next."