July 18, 2001 News Media Release

Students harness energy from the sun to build, race solar-powered cars

More than 70 youth ages 9-12 are taking advantage of the summer's hot, sunny days to learn about renewable energy by harnessing energy from the sun to build and race model-sized, solar-powered cars.

Teams of students will race the solar cars at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, July 19, at Martin Jr. High School, 1601 Haskell St. The students are participating in the annual Aerospace Camp sponsored by the Travis County 4-H & Youth Development Program and several local partners to teach Austin area youth about science.

The students will race their cars outdoors on a 64-foot wooden track that accommodates two cars. As many as 17 teams will take turns racing in the single-elimination competition.

Austin Energy, Austin's community-owned electric utility, is providing the miniature photovoltaic panels and parts and accessories for the students to build the solar cars. Austin Energy staff members also teach the students about solar power and aerodynamics to help them develop their vehicles.

Solar power is a renewable energy source that converts the sun's heat and light into energy, much like plants use sunlight for photosynthesis to produce food. A small photovoltaic panel that collects sunlight is the basic building component of a solar car. By attaching a wire connected to a motor to the photovoltaic panel, electrical charges are sent through the wire to turn the motor and make the solar car run.

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For more information, contact Ed Clark, Public Information.
Phone: (512) 322-6514
Pager: (512) 802-2000