The inaugural day of the Sasol Solar Challenge started with teams full of excitement and enthusiasm as they embarked on their 8-day journey across the country to showcase their innovative designs, sustainable mobility, and durability while encouraging the youth to partake in STEM-related fields.
As the teams journeyed from Secunda to their first control stop at Hoër Volks Skool Heidelberg, Heidelberg – which is 101.6 km away from the starting line for a school’s program activation – they interacted with different learners from the school and nearby communities by showcasing their solar cars and presenting microbotics (small electronic circuits) to the learners, explaining their necessity in our everyday lives, especially for the future.
The learners were engaged and interacted with the teams, seeking to understand how solar panels worked on the solar cars. One learner asked, “What happens when it is not sunny?” The team explained to the whole group that solar cars need light to operate, and the sun makes them much easier to run.
While the day was filled with remarkable designs, displays of ingenuity, and impeccable teamwork, it was not without challenges.
One notable incident occurred when a solar car was caught off guard by strong winds, causing it to veer off course and hit a ditch. Fortunately, the overall design of the team’s vehicle remained intact, the driver was not harmed, and other vehicles on the road were unaffected by this incident. This further showcased the durability and resilience of the team’s engineering efforts in designing their solar car.
However, the solar panels sustained significant damage, which required the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) team to make an immediate decision to withdraw from the competition.
Despite this setback, the spirit of competition and camaraderie among the teams remains.
Participants continue to share their experiences, exchange ideas, and celebrate the strides made in solar technology and the challenge – with the Italian Team, Onda Solare, finishing on top by 194 km, followed closely by South African team EVNXT in the Cruiser and Innovation Class.
Innoptus Solar Team finished on top in the Challenger Class by 489.2 km, followed by Brunel Solar Team, who tied with Solar Team Twente at 452.3 km.
The event organizer, Rob Walker, expressed his pride in the teams’ efforts and resilience on day one, emphasizing that challenges like these are part of the learning process in the pursuit of innovation.
As the first day came to a close, teams were already strategising and preparing for today’s events.
The Sasol Solar Challenge continues to be a platform for creativity, collaboration, and a commitment to a sustainable future.
Stay tuned for more updates as the competition unfolds over the coming days by using this hashtag #SasolSolarChallenge.
For more information and to arrange interviews, please contact Noni Sophe at media@solarevents.co.za or at 063 348 3308
