Solar Grand Prix 2010



Councilwoman Gerrie Schipske is sponsoring the first Annual Solar Grand Prix (April 10, 2010) competition in which students, grade 6-12, are invited to design and build a solar-powered model car that will complete a race in the shortest possible time using the available power.

The Solar Grand Prix challenges students to use scientific know-how, creative thinking, experimentation, and teamwork to design and build high-performance model solar vehicles.

Teams will receive a Solar Car Kit, which includes a solar panel and an electric motor. Using any other materials, competitors will design and build a model solar-powered vehicle that will race on a 20-meter (65-foot) racecourse. The winner of the competition will be the team whose vehicle is the top finisher in a series of head to head elimination rounds.

Competition Details

  • Click here for the Complete Rules and the Race Day Schedule for the Solar Grand Prix.
  • Each team will receive a Solar Car Kit that has been donated by a corporate sponsor. The kit includes a solar panel and an electric motor.
  • The motor and solar panel contained in the kit must be used without modification. The remainder of the vehicle must be the students' own design and can be made from any other materials.
  • Sunlight will be the only power source for the vehicle. No batteries or energy storage devices are permitted.
  • The vehicle must fit within the following dimensions: 30 centimeters (cm) x 60 cm x 30 cm.
  • Teams are comprised of 2 – 4 members, with a coach (teacher, parent, or other volunteer) who can assist the students.
  • Awards will be given to the middle school team and high school team with the fastest vehicle, and for design.

Sustainability Fair

We are also excited to have a Sustainability Fair as major part of the Solar Grand Prix, where businesses and non-profit organizations can provide information about their organization and services, and host educational exhibits about various aspects of sustainability. We will also have an exhibition area for electrical and alternative fuel vehicles.

If your company/organization has a solar and/or sustainability product or service, or educational opportunity you would like to exhibit at the Solar Grand Prix, please return the Exhibitor Registration Form by Friday, March 12 to the Fifth District Council Office.

Registration

  • Registration is Closed for the Solar Grand Prix 2010. We have 75 teams registered, with over 300 youth and adult coaches competing in this year’s Solar Grand Prix. If you weren’t able to participate this year, we hope you will join us next year.

Additional Resources

  • Looking for construction tips or educational resources? There are a number of great resources at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory's Junior Solar Sprint website (remember that some of their rules may be different).
  • The "Introduction to Building a Model Solar Car"  is an especially useful resource for thinking about and understanding the different components of car design.
  • Also check out "How to Build a Model Solar Car" which gives step-by-step instructions for building a model car. Don't copy the car exactly, because your car needs to be unique, but it might give you some useful ideas.

For more information about the Solar Grand Prix, contact Matthew McHale, Neighborhood Liaison in the Office of Councilwoman Gerrie Schipske, 562-570-3102 or matthew.mchale@longbeach.gov.