Guided Project
Solar EV
Our role will be to provide solar energy and a battery management system to ensure sustainable and independent operation, enhancing accessibility and promoting inclusion through diverse programming offered by Winnipeg Trails including promotion of active transportation methods for people with diverse abilities, and facilitating the learning of indigenous languages and culture, starting at the Forks.
Project Overview
Our project will be energizing Winnipeg Trails’ Mobilibox solution. Mobilibox is a modular shipping container that is used to host a range of bicycles, equipment, and other material needed for their programming. This solution is designed to be independently moveable to other locations to accommodate the organization’s needs. Our role will be to provide design and provide a solar energy system to ensure sustainable and independent operation, enhancing accessibility and promoting inclusion through diverse programming offered by Winnipeg Trails including promotion of active transportation methods for people with diverse abilities, and facilitating the learning of indigenous languages and culture.
Team
Habiba Mahmoud – Project Lead (Computer Engineering)
I’m a Computer Engineering student who enjoys hands-on problem-solving and building things that have a real impact. When I’m not in front of a computer, I like being outside and working on projects that get me involved in the real world. That’s what led me to Student Energy and this project— I wanted to take on a leadership role, learn more about the design and implementation of a solar energy system, and create something that gives back to our community. I’m excited to work with the team to bring this project to life!
Rayna Vergata – Electrical Lead (Electrical Engineering)
I’m a fourth year electrical engineering student studying at the University of Manitoba. I am passionate about environmental conservation and building inclusive spaces that bring people together. I joined the SEGP program to enhance my understanding of solar energy applications and to create a tangible impact in my local community. The Mobilibox project has been so impactful to me because it serves as an intersection of sustainable energy initiatives, showcases diversity, and supports local community engagement. Winnipeg Trails and the SEGP program have provided our team the tools to bring this project to light and create a platform that promotes renewable energy and inspires new opportunities for community collaboration.
Salma Mahmoud – (Communications lead)
I’m a Biological Sciences major with a deep passion for sustainability and a love for spending time in nature. In my free time, you’ll often find me volunteering or doing community outreach— finding ways to make a positive impact. My passion for the environment and desire to give back led me to Student Energy, where I took on a communication role to dive deeper into solar energy and learn more about the phases of the project lifecycle while contributing to a meaningful initiative for our community.
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Team Mentor:
Ayodeji Stephen
Ayodeji is a dynamic force in clean energy, with several years of experience as a policy advisor and project manager in sustainable energy globally. Armed with a bachelor’s in physics and a master’s degree in Renewable Energy Economics, he served as a policy fellow and a hydrogen fuel researcher at Agora Energiewende. Ayodeji is a PhD researcher at Dublin City University and the founder of Energy Gist, an energy literacy company, where he continues spearheading innovative initiatives.

TIMELINE
Project Rationale
We selected this project as Winnipeg Trails needs a sustainable energy solution that will allow them to be truly mobile and independent. Installing solar PV allows them to operate off-grid from any location. This solution is to be deployed to assist in programming related to improving mobility for people with various accessibility needs, newcomers, and will feature art and an installation that highlights indigenous culture at a key location such as the Forks. This aligns with our passion for sustainability paired with accessibility and social equity.
Contact Information

Energy System design overview
- Fully off-grid and winter-ready, designed to operate year-round.
- System Size: 2.18 kW DC (4 x 545W solar panels).
- Battery Storage: 4 x 6V AGM Batteries (424Ah each, 12V system).
- Daily Energy Production: ~7 kWh/day (after efficiency losses).
- Annual Energy Production: ~2,555 kWh/year.
- Annual Energy Consumption: ~684 kWh/year (covers: Lighting, E-bike charging, Audio equipment, Security systems).
- System Surplus: 3.7x more energy than needed, ensuring reliable off-grid operation.
Energy System benefits and impacts
- Emissions Reduction (compared to use of gas powered generator for powering Mobilibox with equivalent energy production):
- Saves ~3 metric tons of CO₂ per year from alternative which would be gas powered generator.
- Equivalent to:
- Removing a car from the road for 11,000 km.
- Planting 50 trees annually.
- Fuel Savings:
- Eliminates need for ~300 gallons of gasoline annually.
- Saves ~$1,700 CAD per year on fuel costs.
- Reliable Power Supply with winter proof batteries:
- Supports essential operations day and night with battery storage.
- Ensures uninterrupted energy, even in winter conditions.
Project Budget
Total Cost: $15,000
Major Expenses:
Solar Panels
battery system installation
Contractor Services
Support Opportunities
Although our installation is complete, any funding to the Mobilibox will go towards helping Winnipeg Trails run their programming. Sponsorships and funding are still welcome.
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