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As the clean energy landscape continues to evolve, one thing remains clear: the next generation of innovators is ready to lead. A1 SolarStore Scholarship Season 3 — the "Solar Scholarship to Fight Climate Change"—we witnessed the most impactful year of the program to date. This season showcased how college students across the United States are transforming bold ideas into practical, scalable solar solutions.
Key takeaways
- Record-Breaking Engagement: Season 3 saw unprecedented participation with 721 applications from over 300 universities across 48 U.S. states.
- Shift to Practicality: Submissions highlighted a move away from purely theoretical concepts toward scalable, real-world solutions ready for immediate deployment in industries like defense and maritime.
- The Season 3 Winner: Gabriel Boyd of Purdue University secured the top spot with Electrocean, a startup focused on innovative solar applications for aquatic environments.
- Diverse Industry Impact: Student-led designs are tackling carbon footprints in non-traditional areas, including military microgrids and cargo ship emissions.
A Record Year for Student Innovation and Solar Solutions
Season 3 exceeded expectations in both scale and substance. Students from diverse academic backgrounds—including engineering, environmental science, sustainability studies, data science, and entrepreneurship—submitted 90-second video pitches proposing original solutions to climate change through solar energy.
With 721 applications from students representing more than 300 universities across 48 states, Season 3 offered a powerful snapshot of where student-led clean energy innovation is headed—and why supporting these bright minds matters now more than ever.
A1 Solar Scholarship Season 2 report: ProjectsWhat stood out most was not just participation volume, but the real-world feasibility of the ideas. Many projects addressed immediate challenges across transportation, waste management, infrastructure, defense, and maritime industries—areas where renewable energy adoption can deliver measurable impact today.
This year’s submissions reinforced a growing trend: students are no longer focused solely on theory. They are designing solutions with deployment, scalability, and long-term viability in mind.
Meet the Winner: Electrocean by Gabriel Boyd
After a rigorous review by the scholarship committee, Gabriel Boyd, a student at Purdue University, was selected as the Season 3 recipient for his groundbreaking project, Electrocean.
Electrocean stood out for its innovative approach to renewable energy technology and strong real-world startup potential. The project demonstrated how solar-powered systems could be applied beyond traditional land-based installations, opening new possibilities for clean energy deployment in emerging environments
Reflecting on the recognition, Boyd shared:
“I really appreciate that A1 SolarStore thought highly of the technology that my startup is trying to push out there and implement in the world. The funds from the scholarship are going to go toward supporting me so that I can finish my last semester of my undergrad at Purdue University strong. It will also enable me to spend more time working on the startup than I otherwise would have been able to while working my part-time job at the University Makerspace.”
Boyd’s experience highlights the broader purpose of the Solar Scholarship: supporting students as they bridge the gap between innovation, education, and real-world application.
Finalist Projects Advancing Solar Energy Across Industries
Beyond the winning entry, three finalist projects were recognized for their technical merit and potential for global impact. These projects illustrate the incredible breadth of student-driven innovation found A1 SolarStore’s Scholarship Season 3.
Maritime Solar Deployment
One finalist proposed integrating hydraulically mounted, sun-tracking solar panels along cargo ships, allowing panels to adjust throughout the day for optimal energy capture. For a 250-meter vessel, the system could generate approximately 664 kW per day, reducing fossil fuel reliance and emissions harmful to marine ecosystems.
Author's opinion:
"One of the most addictive videos about Solar"
AI-Driven Recycling with Clean Sort
Another standout project, Clean Sort, addressed one of recycling’s biggest challenges: contamination. The solar-powered smart trash bin uses AI vision technology to scan, clean, and automatically sort waste into proper recycling streams—helping ensure recoverable materials don’t end up in landfills.
Powered by a small solar panel and a closed-loop rinsing system, Clean Sort demonstrates how renewable energy and artificial intelligence can work together to improve everyday sustainability.
Solar Microgrids for Military Operations
A finalist project focused on integrating lightweight, flexible solar panels into forward operating base (FOB) shelters, creating solar-powered microgrids. This approach reduces reliance on diesel generators, improves air quality, lowers fuel costs, and enhances operational safety by minimizing fuel convoy risks.
Why Student-Led Clean Energy Innovation Matters
Season 3 demonstrated that student innovation is not only thriving—it’s accelerating. Across submissions, students combined technical rigor, creativity, and entrepreneurial thinking to propose solutions designed for real-world deployment.
For A1 SolarStore, the Solar Scholarship continues to serve as a platform for discovering emerging clean energy talent while supporting ideas that contribute meaningfully to the future of renewable energy.
U.S. Tariffs & Solar: Key Takeaways from Hounen × A1 WebinarBuilding on the success of Season 3, A1 SolarStore remains committed to supporting student-driven innovation through future scholarship initiatives. While details for the next cycle are still under development, the momentum and ingenuity displayed this year set a strong foundation for what lies ahead.
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Egor is passionate about making solar energy accessible and understandable for everyone. Since joining the company, he has been focused on sharing insights, practical tips, and ideas that help people embrace sustainable energy solutions.
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