High school students race model cars powered by the sun

SMUD’s 15^th annual Solar Car Race returns to Cosumnes River College

High school students will gather at Cosumnes River College to race model solar-powered cars they’ve designed and built themselves. The Solar Car Race returns after a two-year hiatus. Teams will use the same solar panels, motors and gear sets, to build a unique car—but it’s up to the teams to be creative and innovative and build the fastest car possible.

Teams will compete for awards in several categories including race time, sustainability, innovation, creativity and more. The Sacramento Electric Vehicle Association (SacEV) will also attend the event and bring a variety of electric vehicles for students to view and explore. More information about the event is available at smud.org/solar-car-race.

SMUD is committed to helping local educators bring STEM concepts (science, technology, engineering and math) to the classroom. The Solar Car Race gives teachers an opportunity to demonstrate a real-world technology design process and brings students together in a fun, entertaining way. The Solar Car Race has become increasingly popular as STEM education has gained momentum locally and become a larger part of many schools’ curriculums.

The Solar Car Race is just one of a number of community events and programs that SMUD sponsors or organizes to support STEM education. Another example is the upcoming California Solar Regatta at Rancho Seco Recreational Area on May 13 and 14. For more information about the Solar Regatta, visit smud.org/solar-regatta.