MRES’ Solar Boat Competition has given hundreds of students valuable and unique experience with photovoltaic systems, boat design, and construction. MRES is partnering with teachers to enhance the competitive nature of the event, expanding the number of schools participating and extending the solar education throughout the school year. A solar boat makes use of the sun’s radiation.

The solar energy must be received exclusively by onboard transducers (photovoltaic cells). On board storage and conversion into intermediate forms of energy (electric energy storage in batteries) are permitted. The boats must not be designed to use forms of energy other than solar. No wind; no human power; no gas engine power; no additional batteries; no additional PV cells.

The West Middle school team builds a solar-powered boats and competes in three races on Lake Riley in Eden Prairie:

1. Slalom Race – Upon check-in, boats will prove maneuverability by maneuvering through a specified obstacle course defined by a series of buoys without striking any buoys or taking on water. This is an individual competition. The fastest boat on the course is the winner.

2. Speed Race – race from dead stop over a measured distance. Boats will compete in tandem. For in each heat, the boat that crosses the finish line in the shortest time wins that heat. The boats with the top six fastest times will compete in the endurance race to determine the ultimate winner of the speed races.

3.One Hour Endurance Race – boats will proceed along a specific route, making as many laps in one hour as they can. Judges will independently record each passage of each boat. During the Endurance Race, all teams must beach every 15 minutes; therefore, we recommend switching drivers at that point. This encourages participation throughout the team. The boat with the most laps completed within the one-hour race is the winner.

Check out this year's team and get ready to cheer them on in May!

*If you are interested in this club and in grades Grades 6–8, please reach out to the Technology Education teachers.