Local youth in Durban, South Africa will be participating in a two-week solar training course compliments of Greenpeace. The 30 youth will learn about solar photovoltaic (PV) and other renewable energy technologies in addition to completing course modules covering social entrepreneurship and Greenpeace’s Energy (R)evolution report.

The PV panels were donated by the SunPower Foundation and will be installed as part of the solar training course. Once installed, the four SunPower solar panels will generate energy for two Greenpeace Africa mobile solar showcase units. They will be on display during the 17th session of the Conference of Parties (COP 17) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNGCCC) taking place in Durban November 28-December 9, 2011. Each unit will utilize solar-powered multi-media technology devices, including televisions, laptops and sound systems.

“With this donation, the SunPower Foundation remains true to its mission — to empower the world’s next generation of solar leaders,” said Tom Werner, SunPower president and CEO. “We hope that the Greenpeace Solar Training course will inspire local youth to explore solar technology and create renewable solutions for energy needs in this part of the world and beyond.”

In addition to the donation of the four panels. SunPower Foundation has also announced its plans to solarize the Greenpeach Africa Johannesburg headquarters with a SunPower rooftop system later this year. Olivia Langhoff, campaigns director for Greenpeace Africa added, “This donation provides an impetus for investment and is a demonstration that renewable energy solutions are feasible.”