Ampere invites public to build their own renewable energy kit at Earth Week event in Lindsay

JAMIE STEEL Ampere

KAWARTHA LAKES: Learners of all ages are invited to attend the Lindsay Makerspace, on Saturday, April 26th, 2025, for Amped for Earth. This is a renewable energy-themed event, where attendees can be among the first to test and build Ampere’s new solar power kit.

Running from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at 12 Peel St., Lindsay, Amped for Earth offers the chance to learn about, build and even take home a kit at no cost, while supplies last (with a limit of one kit per family).

For over a decade, Ampere (formerly the Pinnguaq Association) has partnered with rural, remote and Indigenous communities to provide access to science, technology, engineering, art and math (STEAM) education and opportunities. Founded in Pangnirtung, Nunavut, Ampere applies a Lifecycle approach to ensure it supports learners at every age and every stage of life. Ampere offers programming, directly through Makerspaces in Iqaluit, Nunavut, and in the Kawartha Lakes, Ontario. It works directly with community partners, social organizations, governmental funders and educational institutions from coast to coast to coast.

Ampere designed and developed the solar kit, valued at $150 each, in collaboration with community subject matter experts, manufacturing partners, component suppliers, Makerspace educators, community participants, end users and innovators.

“These kits are an excellent example of how science, technology, engineering, art and math can create something with a meaningful impact,” says Ryan Oliver, CEO and Founder of Ampere. “The development of the kit incorporated every aspect of STEAM, and assembling the kits offers users a chance to see those components up close.”

Once built, these kits are small enough to take camping, on road trips, to the office or just to keep at home in case of a power outage.

While the kits were designed with learners aged 11 years and older in mind, Amped for Earth is open for younger learners as well, as there will be Earth-themed activities available, making it a truly family-friendly event.

Registration for Amped for Earth is not mandatory. However, it does ensure families receive one of the limited numbers of kits available to take home before they’re even available for purchase. Families can register for the event, at go.amp.ca/earth_general.

More information about purchasing these kits will be made available as soon as possible.