Solar Challenge race coming to SA
In September 2008, South Africans will be able to compete on their home soil in a FIA approved 4000km+ solar car race. Launched by the Advanced Energy Foundation (AEF), the race aims to give South Africans a chance to compete against some of the top solar racing teams from around the world.
All cars must be powered by the sun only, and depending on the class they’re competing in, be capable of speeds of up to 120km/h. I’m really looking forward to this event - it should do a great deal to raise awareness of alternative energy in South Africa. More info from Solar Challenge SA after the jump.
The South African Solar Challenge (SASC) is a competition designed to drive and provide education is innovation and business. The primary objective is to design, manage, build and race solar powered vehicle across South Africa. The challenge sees a collaboration between scholars, students, private individuals and various industry and government partners, to work together to have a safe, technology rich event. The event will take place from the 22nd September 2008 to the 8th October 2008.
The teams will includes a mixture of local and international teams from across the world, who will compete in various classes, for prizes, prestige and experience.
The SASC promotes :
- Renewable energy technologies (specifically photovoltaic or “solar cells”)
- Educational excellence in science, engineering and mathematics
- Creative integration of technical and scientific expertise across a wide-range of disciplines
- Understanding of marketing, business and management skills needed to execute large and complex projects.
- “Hands-on” experience for students and engineers to develop and demonstrate their technical and creative abilities
- Environmental consciousness
- Safety in all aspects of the challenge, development, testing and racing.
- Sportsmanship, friendship and co-operation.
Each team must put their vehicle through grueling qualifying and technical inspections. Teams that fail to meet the requirements will not participate. During the race, each team is escorted by their support team and the vehicles will be tracked and monitored in real-time.
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I just wanted to start a discussion by putting up a post, this way you will also know that you are getting replies directly from the management committee.
Chairman, South African Solar Challenge 2008.