Notice: This is a development version of the Solar Car Challenge website. Content and features may change. Not for production use.

Solar Car Challenge Event Update 2025-2

Registration Packet

  1. Team Registration Packets must be postmarked no later than March 1st. The packet must be submitted in two forms:

  2. The Team Packet must include the Registration Fee of $3,750

    • This year’s registration includes the $1,250 fee paid to the Texas Motor Speedway per team.
    • This year’s registration fee provides participation for 15 students, teachers, and advisers.
      Teams bringing more than 15 participants must make arrangements at Team Check-In.
      See Event Update 2025-1 for additional fees.

  3. Hard copy packets must be printed on one side of the paper and organized with dividers into the following sections:

Sections of Team Registration Notebook

  1. Official Registration Document
  2. Mechanical Drawings
  3. Electrical Drawings
  4. Solar Array/Panels
  5. Battery Information
  6. Motor and Controller
  7. Fuse / Cut-off Switches
  8. Suspension
  9. Steering – Wheels
  10. Brakes

The Official Registration Packet Must Include (Rule 3.6)

  1. Check for Registration Fee – made payable to the Solar Car Challenge Foundation.

  2. Complete, detailed mechanical CAD drawings showing the structure of the vehicle.
    These must include:

    • Crush Zones
    • Frame Structure
    • Location of Major Components (motor, controller, battery, array)
    • Notional driver in formal driving position
    • Three views with dimensions (front, side, top)
    • Dimensions labeled on each drawing
    • Explicitly labeled safety cell and crush zones, including both horizontal and vertical dimensions
    • Dimensions for roll bar height and the distance between driver’s head and the bottom of the roll bar

  3. Detailed Electrical Schematic showing:

    • Main propulsion system (solar array, motor, motor controller, power tracker, switches)
    • Supplemental system (lights, horn, fans, etc.)

  4. Hi-res digital official team photo – email to marks@solarcarchallenge.org (opens in new tab)

    Even if the car is not complete, send a basic photo for the Team Profiles Page.
    You may update it until June 1st.

  5. Manufacturer’s data sheets for batteries showing:

    • Voltage per battery
    • Capacity per battery
    • Weight of each battery
    • Chemistry type (lead-acid or lithium iron phosphate)
      If lithium-based, include a data sheet for the battery management system.
      Lead Acid battery data sheets must show capacity at a 20-hour discharge rate.

  6. Manufacturer’s data sheets for Solar Cells including:

    • Efficiency rating
    • Number of watts per cell
    • List price of each solar cell

  7. Manufacturer’s data sheets for:

    • Motor and Motor Controller
    • Brakes and Braking System
    • Steering/Suspension
    • Wheels
    • Cut Off Switches
    • Fuse

  8. Diligent preparation of the Team Registration Packet will be taken into consideration when awarding “Forever Miles.” (See Rule 3.10)

  9. Teams not submitting the required documentation by the registration deadline will incur a 3-mile penalty for each missing document. (Rule 3.6.1)