Racing with the Sun - Creating a Solar Car
These solar cars were built by middle school students in North Carolina.Copyright 2004 Paul Klenk, Duke University
Students use engineering design principles to construct and test a fully solar powered model car. Several options exist, though we recommend the "Junior Solar Sprint" (JSS) Car Kits that can be purchased with direction from the federal government. Using the JSS kit from Solar World, students are provided with a photovoltaic panel that produces ~3V at ~3W. An optional accessory kit also from Solar World includes wheels, axles and drive gears. A chassis must be built additionally. Balsa wood provides an excellent option though many others are available. The testing of the solar car culminates in a solar race between classmates.
Building and testing a solar car combines aspects of electrical and mechanical engineeering.
After this activity, students should be able to connect a solar photovoltaic panel to a motor and a run the motor forwards and backwards.