Solar Energy Racers prepare for the contest

After many months of development and construction work, the Solar Energy Racers team has successfully tested its fully assembled vehicle under road conditions for the first time in mid-August in Uzwil, Switzerland. The vehicle's surface is covered with monocrystalline silicon cells with a 22% efficiency which generate energy for the motor. In a few weeks, the SER team will participate in the 2011 World Solar Challenge in Australia. Nord Drivesystems is one of the main sponsors. The World Solar Challenge is a long-distance race under extreme conditions for vehicles powered exclusively by solar energy. Starting on October 16th, 2011, it will head from Darwin, the northernmost city of the continent, to Adelaide on the Australian south coast, crossing about 3,000 kilometers of almost deserted outback. Backed by the Bühler Renewable Energy Association, the Solar Energy Racers are the only competing team not associated with a university.