Solar Cars and Boats

Ergon Energy Solar Challenge Championships

In the future, transport will be lightweight, aerodynamic, fast and energy efficient…

The future is NOW! Design and build your own Solar Model Car or Boat, and compete in the Queensland Championships.

These machines are powered by widely available solar panels. It’s easy to build them (there’s plenty of information available) and affordable commercial kits are available to make it even easier to get involved. Just ask us for info if you are interested!

Separate events will be conducted for primary and secondary students. The model solar cars compete over a 100 metre figure “8″ circuit. Two cars race at a time guided by parallel guide channels attached to the track surface. At the end of the Round Robin and Elimination, there remains only one winner!

Boats are up to 60 cm long and up to 35 cm wide (and at least 12 cm wide). They’re steered along a guideline, and there are no restrictions on the number and size of propellers, paddle wheels and air propellers.

So get involved!

The events are easy to incorporate into an academic curriculum, thanks to their alternative energy-aware, futuristic and hands-on nature.

Students marry technology with teamwork to create exciting machines. They use active learning processes to address real challenges in their generation, exploring energy options for the 21st century.

For rules and info click here