Starter and Solar Challenge Kits

Intro Solar Boat (6 - 10 hours)

Code: SBTINT

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This kit contains the required electrical and mechanical parts to build a small simple solar  powered boat propulsion system. Students will gain a significant insight into renewable energy in the form of electricity from solar, basic electricity, motors and energy conversion from solar power to motion of their boat.

 Intro Solar Car (6 - 10 hours)

Code: SCRINT

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This is a basic four-wheeled vehicle which is powered by 2 no. 4 solar panels. Suitable for introducing the concept of solar power and low friction to students. 

Junior Solar Boat (5 hours)

Code: SBTJUN

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This kit contains the required components (except a solar panel) to build a solar powered boat for competing in the Junior division of the solar challenges.

Sheridan Kit Car (8 - 12 hours)

Code: SHERIDAN

This kit contains all of the parts needed to construct one Sheridan Car Challenge competition vehicle EXCEPT for the Solar Panels and wiring.

NOTES:
1. Motor and solar panel are NOT included in this kit. This kit assumes the use of the FAULHABER 2232 electric motor.
2. A PICAXE download cable (PICUCAB) is required to download the program to the PICSPPC08M2.

One DVD with instructions is supplied with each order.

Challenger Solar Car SM403 (10 - 15 hours) **new**

Code: CHALLENGERSM403

This kit is the same as the CHALLENGERV2, except that this kit has the SM403 MOTOR MOUNTING KIT, to allow the competitors to use the SM403 motor.  This provides a more economical way to enter the designed cars section and can later be upgraded to the higher performing Faulhaber motor, by swapping the motor mounting kit.

Automax Solar MPPT

Code: AUTOMAX

AutoMax is a computerised Maximum Power Point Tracker.

This unit holds the solar panel’s output voltage at its Maximum Power Point voltage regardless of the load conditions. Assembled and tested. Includes Deans Micro plugs.

Depending on the load characteristics this circuit can provide a significant multiplication of the current available from the solar panel into the load.

For a motor this means increasing its torque, especially useful when a car is accelerating from a standing start. This feature also allows a motor to start and operate at a much lower light intensity than is possible with the motor directly connected to the solar panel.

The unit automatically sets the appropriate control voltage on start up.

While it was specifically designed to operate with a Scorpio No. 26 Solar panel it will operate with any solar panel that has an open circuit voltage between 7.0 volts and 10.0 volts and a short circuit current between 0.1 amp and 1.0 amp.

PLEASE NOTE: The PICSPPC08M2 is supplied with a blank PICAXE chip that requires programming. A PICAXE download cable (PICUCAB) is required to download the program to the PICSPPC08M2.  Pre-programmed chips are also available on request when ordering.

Solar Panel Power Controller Low Voltage Unit - VOC 6.5-12V (3-5 hours)

Code: SPPCL

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The SOLAR PANEL POWER CONTROLLER (SPPC) multiplies the solar panel’s starting current for motors. Normally, powering an electric motor directly from a solar panel can be quite inefficient, especially during start up and at low motor speeds. The SPPC allows the motor to start and operate at a much lower light intensity than is possible with the motor directly connected to the solar panel. This SPPC circuit holds the output of the solar panel at its maximum power voltage point. Thus it is able to substantially boost the starting current available to the motor. NOTE: This circuit regulates the input voltage rather than the output voltage. The SPPC will work with any solar panel or combination of solar panels whose Voltage Open Circuit (VOC) voltage is between 6.5 and 12 volts (a rated 12V panel at VOC will be higher than 12V). Energy consumption by the circuit is 0.04 W (approximately). The SPPC’s weight is approximately 45 grams (including the inductor). 

Solar Panel Power Controller Standard Voltage Unit - VOC 13-23V (3-5 hours)

Code: SPPCS

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The SOLAR PANEL POWER CONTROLLER (SPPC) multiplies the solar panel’s starting current for motors. Normally, powering an electric motor directly from a solar panel can be quite inefficient, especially during start up and at low motor speeds. The SPPC allows the motor to start and operate at a much lower light intensity than is possible with the motor directly connected to the solar panel. This SPPC circuit holds the output of the solar panel at its maximum power voltage point. Thus it is able to substantially boost the starting current available to the motor. NOTE: This circuit regulates the input voltage rather than the output voltage. The SPPC will work with any solar panel or combination of solar panels whose Voltage Open Circuit (VOC) voltage is between 13 and 23 volts (a rated 12V panel at VOC will be higher than 12V). Energy consumption by the circuit is 0.04 W (approximately). The SPPC’s weight is approximately 45 grams (including the inductor). 

 Click here to see our Decision Chart for Solar Challenge kits and Solar Project kits.

Click here to see our “Solar & Solar Challenge Catalogue” for full details.