Final Product Beginnings:

I have finally reached the point in my ISM career when we are working on the ISM Final Product. I decided, after talking with my mentor, that I would be creating a solar panel shield that would protect solar panels from rain, snow, hail, and other natural events.  In other words, An environmentally friendly, autonomous, strong mat that covers solar panels in case of a natural disaster. This way people like my mentor will be able to make more sales and solar panels will become more widespread. The first and most important thing that I began working on for this project is the materials I will be using for my shield, this is extremely important to me because the materials will determine how environmentally safe it is which is a big portion of Environmental Science. I landed on 4 main materials for my shield. Metal lacing, vinyl insulation, hemp insulation, and canvas tarp outside, we can make a sustainable and protective layer for our solar panels. The metal lacing will be the true protection and what gives the shield its shape and strength. The vinyl is a protective layer around the metal lacing to create a rubbery solution that will prevent the metal from damaging the panels or vice versa. The hemp insulation will be our cushioning of the shield, giving it a squishy texture and alleviating stress on the panels. Finally, we will use an environmentally friendly tarp to hold in all of the parts of the shield and prevent water damage.