PENANG: While many assume innovation requires deep pockets, complex technology, or a large team, a student at SJKC Han Chiang has proven otherwise—with just RM20 and a brilliant idea.

Alexander Chow Yong Haan has created a small fan called Solar Breeze Power Duo, powered by both solar energy and a rechargeable battery, designed to reduce the heat trapped inside cars on sweltering days.

“It cost me less than RM20,” Alexander shared confidently at the Penang Green Innovator 2025, the only solo participant explaining his invention to judges and visitors.

The inspiration for the fan came from his father’s repeated complaints about how unbearably hot when he gets into the car.

From there, the Year Six pupil assembled recycled materials found at home and his tiny savings to make a portable fan.

The fan runs on solar energy during the day and automatically switches to battery power when sunlight isn’t available, such as on cloudy days or at night.

Excess solar energy is stored in a rechargeable battery.

When asked why night-time operation was needed, Alexander explained that even in cooler evening temperatures, a car can still be 3°C warmer than the outside.

“So, the dual-energy design isn’t redundant—it’s essential,” he said.

In his tests, the device was able to reduce a car’s interior temperature by about 0.2°C within a minute.

The fan’s components are remarkably simple: a small motor, a solar panel, a rechargeable battery, two wires, a phone holder, and a few Lego blocks.

Alexander used what he could find at home—including an unused phone stand and Lego pieces to support and adjust the solar panel to capture sunlight.

Using a wire, he connected the components—battery, solar panel, and motor—and fixed them onto the phone stand.

With the flick of a switch, a gentle breeze begins to blow.

He also used Lego blocks from home to support the solar panel and allow it to be adjusted according to the sun’s angle.

He pointed out that similar products on the market sell for RM50 to RM130, and most don’t have batteries to store solar energy.

Their solar panels are also fixed and not angle-adjustable, he said.

Despite its modest materials, the Solar Breeze Power Duo supports three UN Sustainable Development Goals—Affordable and Clean Energy, Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure and climate action.

Throughout the exhibition, Alexander’s mother let the boy answer inquiries himself with confidence.

The fan won a consolation prize at the Penang Green Innovator Competition 2025.

“He’s always been curious about technology and inventions. This fan really works—and the whole family is proud of him,” she said.

This isn’t Alexander’s first innovation. He previously created a multi-functional umbrella called “Rain Guard”—equipped with a reflective frame, mini flashlight, and alarm for rainy night safety.

Another invention, “Oil Save,” was designed to absorb marine oil spills using eco-friendly materials and a cotton core, preventing secondary pollution in oceans.