This is a photo from the World Solar Challenge in 2009.The World Solar Challenge is a solar-powered car race which covers 3021 km (1,877 miles) through the Australian Outback, from Darwin to Adelaide. Plans are underway for the Challenge which happens in 2011.
The race attracts teams from around the world, most of which are fielded by universities or corporations although some are fielded by high schools. The race has a 20-year history spanning nine races, with the inaugural event taking place in 1987.
The objective of this competition is to promote research on solar-powered cars. Teams from universities and enterprises participate. In 2005, 22 teams from 11 countries entered the primary race category.
The idea for the competition originates from Danish-born adventurer Hans Tholstrup. He was the first to circumnavigate the Australian continent in a 16-foot (4.9 m) open boat. At a later stage in his life he became involved in various competitions with fuel saving cars and trucks. Already in the 1980s, he became aware of the necessity to explore sustainable energy as a replacement for the limited available fossil fuel. Sponsored by BP, he designed the world’s first solar car, called Quiet Achiever, and traversed the 4052 km (2,518 miles) between Sydney and Perth in 20 days. That was the precursor of the World Solar Challenge.
Recently some engineering students from De LA Salle University in the Manila introduced a solar powered vehicle; the “Sikat” is a racecar with a flat body, a narrow single seat, and three wheels the size of a big pizza. Philippines is among the top carbon emitters in Southeast Asia. Engineering students created a solar-powered car to inspire others to take pollution more seriously.
See the Video Here.
Chevron Tests Emerging Solar Technologies in Central California
See video and read story here.