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43 The Media Buzz
December 20th, 2023. Inside the Global Media Arts studio, the studio host, Alex Rivera, prepared to dive into a discussion that had captivated the nation's attention. The topic at hand was a groundbreaking claim made by a young student about inventing a solar panel with 60 percent efficiency—a figure significantly higher than the current market offerings. To shed light on this matter, Alex welcomed Dr. Elena Santos, a respected expert in solar engineering and renewable energy technologies.
"Good evening, viewers. Tonight, we're exploring a story that has sparked both hope and controversy in the field of renewable energy," Alex began, turning towards his guest. "Dr. Santos, thank you for joining us. A student's claim of inventing a solar panel with an unheard-of 60 percent efficiency has gone viral. Could you help us understand the significance of this claim?"
Dr. Santos nodded. "Certainly, Alex. The average efficiency of commercially available solar panels ranges from 15 to 25 percent. If a panel could indeed achieve 60 percent efficiency, it would be a monumental breakthrough, potentially revolutionizing how we harness solar energy."
"The student in question, Michael Reyes, has faced both support and doubt," Alex continued. "He alleges that his invention was unfairly dismissed in a recent competition, suggesting bias due to the involvement of influential industry figures."
Dr. Santos leaned in slightly, acknowledging the gravity of the situation. "If Michael's claims are true, it's essential that his invention undergoes thorough, independent testing. The implications for renewable energy, not just in the Philippines but globally, could be vast."
"But how significant is it? And how come there's only a solar panel with an efficiency of 15-25 percent?"
"Well commercial solar panels have that efficiency, but scientists and engineers around the globe were investing huge amounts of money to build highly efficient solar panels. One of them achieves 43-48% efficiency, but that's only in a laboratory setting, under ideal conditions," Dr. Santos explained. "Achieving high efficiency in real-world conditions is a significant challenge due to factors like material limitations, production costs, and environmental variables."
Alex nodded, absorbing the information. "So, if Michael Reyes's invention proves viable outside of a controlled laboratory environment, we're looking at a game-changing innovation in renewable energy."
"Exactly," Dr. Santos agreed. ***
Michael watched the live stream of the podcast on Facebook. His eyes drifted to the real-time comments of the viewers scrolling rapidly on the side of the video. It was too fast for him to read the messages as some of it was just spamming. His challenge to Francis Peralta was not only being discussed by major news outlets but by famous content creators as well, though most of them are leaning towards the Solar Dynamics Corporation, believing them to be credible as they used his current occupation as a student as a reason to doubt the feasibility of his claim. Despite this, Michael remained undeterred.
They ain't seen nothing yet. As he was scrolling through the page, there was a knock on the door. "Michael…I have something to talk to you about," Myra said.
"The door is open mom, you can just come in," Michael responded, minimizing the browser window with the live stream.
Myra stepped into Michael's room, a look of curiosity mixed with concern on her face. "I've been hearing from the neighbors, and there are a lot of talks online... Are you really viral on the internet now?"
Michael nodded, a slight smile forming on his lips. "Yes, mom, I am. My solar panel invention and the controversy around it have caught a lot of attention."
Myra sat down beside him, her expression softening. "Is that a good thing?" she asked cautiously, trying to gauge whether the online exposure was positive or negative.
"It is, mom. It's a very good thing," Michael assured her. This is the thing Michael needed the most, the power of the media. He didn't just approach the moderator three days ago just to show how bitter he is about the result, it was a calculated move. By bringing attention to the controversy, Michael hoped to force an independent evaluation of his solar panel, beyond the confines of the competition and its potentially biased judges.
"This wouldn't get you in trouble with the Solar Dynamics Company, right? I mean…you are challenging them," Myra voiced her concern.
"Nothing will happen to me, mom. If they do something to me, then they are just really making themselves look bad in the public eye. Plus, I've called for an independent review of my solar panel. If it's as efficient as I claim, their accusations will be disproven. It will happen on the 26th."
"Thank you for letting me know," Myra replied, her curiosity piqued. She turned to call Michael, who was already making his way to the door, having overheard the conversation.
21:06
"Well…if you say so," Myra said. Just as Michael was about to reply, there was a knock on the main door.
"Let me see who that is," Myra rose to her feet and walked towards the door. Upon opening it, she was greeted by one of her neighbors.
"Good evening, Myra. I hope I'm not interrupting anything, but there's someone looking for Michael," she said. (f)ree
Myra, slightly puzzled, stepped out to see whom she was referring to. Her eyes immediately landed on a sleek luxury sedan, parked in front of their modest gate. It was an unusual sight in their typically quiet neighborhood. Lots of people were gathering around, standing there and looking at the car, admiring it.
There were some even taking pictures and videos, whispering among themselves about who might be visiting.
"Thank you for letting me know," Myra replied, her curiosity piqued. She turned to call Michael, who was already making his way to the door, having overheard the conversation.
"Someone's looking for you," Myra said as Michael approached, nodding towards the luxury car.
Michael stepped outside, wondering who it could be. As he approached the car, the driver's side window slowly rolled down, revealing a man in a crisp suit. Michael recognized the man, it was Engineer Benico, the one who appraised his solar panel.
"Michael—can we talk somewhere private? There is something I need to discuss," Benico said.
"About what? I thought our business was done. My solar panel was fake so I don't see any reason why I should entertain you, sir." "I know you are bitter but at least hear me out, okay? Would you please enter the car so we can talk more privately?" Benico's tone was earnest, indicating the seriousness of the matter.
Michael hesitated for a moment, weighing his options. Despite his reservations about Benico and Solar Dynamics Corporation, curiosity got the better of him. Nodding to his mother, who watched from the doorway with a concerned look, Michael agreed.
"Fine, but make it quick," Michael said, stepping closer to the car.
Once inside the luxury sedan, Michael rolled down the window and spoke.
"I'll return as quickly as I can ma!"