The National Technical University «Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute» has received a batch of solar panels from the United States as part of the international volunteer initiative «Montana to Kharkiv». The equipment traveled thousands of kilometers—from the mountainous state of Montana to frontline Kharkiv—and will be used to develop the university’s energy infrastructure, as well as serve as a training facility for students and veterans. The project was initiated and coordinated by Andriy Lenets, an American volunteer of Ukrainian descent. The initiative began following consultations with Kseniia Minakova, a researcher at NTU «KhPI», who confirmed the possibility of using solar panels at the university. Recently, nearly 4 tons of equipment were unloaded at NTU «KhPI». The Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute received 170 large solar panels, which will become part of the university’s energy infrastructure, as well as 25 small panels for creating mobile power systems and implementing educational and research programs.
The idea came about a year ago, when news spread of the dismantling of a large solar array in one of the U.S. national parks. The nonprofit organization that owned the installation was looking for a way to donate the equipment for public use. Upon learning of this, Andriy Lenec, an American volunteer of Ukrainian descent and representative of the charity Sunflower Seeds Ukraine (SFSU), proposed transferring the panels to Ukraine. He reached out to Kseniia Minakova, a professor in the Department of Micro- and Nanoelectronics at the National Technical University «Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute» (NTU «KhPI»), whose work in the field of alternative energy he was familiar with through her international projects. The scientist from NTU «Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute» confirmed that these panels could be used, so the destination was determined—and the project began.
The journey of the equipment to Kharkiv was long and complicated. First, the solar panels were dismantled in Montana, then transported by truck to a warehouse in Colorado. There, they were prepared for transport across the Atlantic Ocean. The equipment was then shipped to Europe in a shipping container, after which the route continued through Gdańsk – Rivne – Kharkiv. Thanks to the coordinated efforts of NTU «KhPI» staff and the university’s administrative and support services (headed by Vice-Rector Magomediemin Gasanov), nearly 4 tons of equipment were unloaded. The following was delivered to Kharkiv Polytechnic:
- 170 large solar panels, which will become part of the university’s energy infrastructure;
- 25 small panels for creating mobile power systems and implementing educational and research projects.
According to Kseniia Minakova, the solar panels will not only provide the university with additional energy sources but will also serve as an important training facility for students and veterans in the field of solar energy: «The solar panels will serve as a training facility for veterans and students. This is a true victory for technology, the spirit of volunteerism, and unity. We thank every donor whose names remain behind the scenes, but whose support will now warm Kharkiv. In the future, the equipment will be integrated into the university’s autonomous power supply systems, helping the institution continue its work even in the most difficult times. We are working for Victory and energy independence!»
The initiative was made possible thanks to an international team of volunteers and partners. Among them is Dr. Jane Zelikova, a climate scientist from Colorado who was born in Kharkiv and whose father is a graduate of the NTU «Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute». She supported the project from the very beginning and became one of its donors. In addition, SFSU volunteers Ulana Bihun and Krista Yedidovich joined the organization of the joint initiative—coordinating logistics and customs clearance for the shipment— as well as Alex Yedidovich, who assisted in preparing the equipment for international transport. Charlie Wesley, CEO of Gulfhawk Logistics, played a key role in the transportation process—coordinating the receipt, packing, and transport of the panels, as well as organizing container shipments. Andriy Zakutayev, founder and president of Sunflower Seeds Ukraine, supported the initiative and assisted with its organizational management. Financial assistance was also provided by several donors who wished to remain anonymous.
As project initiator Andriy Leneс notes, this initiative has become an example of effective international cooperation: equipment that still has many years of service life remaining has been transferred to Ukraine—a country facing systematic attacks on its energy infrastructure. «I was delighted to learn that the panels have finally arrived at the NTU «Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute», where researcher Minakova will use them in many ways, including to teach veterans and students about solar technology. To be honest, this is one of the most valuable and moving projects I have ever been involved in to support the land of my parents and ancestors—Ukraine. This is truly a ‘win-win’ situation: a fully functional solar power plant, which could have served for many more years, was ultimately transferred to a country facing massive terrorist attacks, particularly on its energy infrastructure, and will assist a university with a rich history of technological innovation and education,» shares the American volunteer. «Most people know me as Andriy Lenec—that’s my Americanized name and my Facebook name. But in reality, I’m Andriy Lenec, or simply Andriyko. Ukrainian blood runs through my veins. I’m very happy and deeply grateful to fate that I was able to see this through to the end,» says Andriy.
At the National Technical University «Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute» (NTU «KhPI»), there are plans to integrate solar panels into the university’s off-grid power systems. This will enhance the institution’s energy resilience and ensure the educational process continues uninterrupted even under challenging conditions. The «Montana to Kharkiv» project has become an example of how international solidarity, volunteerism, and technology can come together to support Ukrainian education and energy independence.
