Developing interest in science, math and engineering among students is an important endeavor. Competitions like the ones below are excellent engineering activities to foster excitement in students of all ages about various ways to use photovoltaic cells.

Solar Car Races
  • Dell-Winston Solar Car Challenge - In 1993, the Winston Solar Car Team launched an education program to teach high school students how to build and safely race roadworthy solar cars. The Winston Solar Education Program met this objective, and works to provide...  More information on Dell-Winston Solar Car Challenge
  • American Solar Challenge (formerly called Sunrayce) - The largest U.S. competition for solar-powered vehicles, the American Solar Challenge is a competition to design, build, and drive solar-powered cars in a cross-country time/distance rally event. More information

 

Solar Decathlon

The U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon challenges collegiate teams to design, build, and operate solar-powered houses that are cost-effective, energy-efficient, and attractive. The winner of the competition is the team that best blends affordability, consumer appeal, and design excellence with optimal energy production and maximum efficiency.  More information on the Solar Decathlon