NEWS FROM THE DELAWARE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL

May 14, 2009
Vol. 39, No. 221

For additional information, contact Suzanne E. Sebastian, Delaware Energy Office, 302-735-3480; or Melanie Rapp, Public Affairs, 302-739-9902.

              Students Compete
   in Delaware Junior Solar Sprint

More than 70 middle and junior high school students from nine schools participated in Delaware’s 15th Annual Junior Solar Sprint Competition on Wednesday, May 13 at St. Thomas More School near Dover. DNREC’s Delaware Energy Office organized the event to educate students about renewable energy and the environment through a creative and exciting competition.

Students designed and built model cars powered by solar photovoltaic cells and competed for trophies and the honor of having the fastest and best designed cars in the state.
 
“Photovoltaic technology makes use of the abundant energy from the sun,” said Suzanne Sebastian, event coordinator with DNREC’s Delaware Energy Office. “We use photovoltaic technology as solar cells to power our watches and calculators, but solar power can do much more – by providing electricity for transportation and to heat and cool our homes and businesses. A solar electric panel provides a reliable, abundant and environmentally-smart source of energy.”

Solar technologies diversify the energy supply, reduce the country's dependence on imported fuels, improve air quality, and offset greenhouse gas emissions. A growing solar industry also stimulates our economy by creating jobs in solar products manufacturing and installation.

Racers competed in time trials and test runs prior to the start of the competition, and pit crews came equipped with spare parts for possible repairs.

Four 7th graders from St. Catherine of Sienna School in Wilmington, Kyle Looby, Robby Gisbert, Connor Pearson, and Craig Harris, huddled around their car and made last minute adjustments to the solar cell.

When asked to name the benefits of using solar power for transportation, the boys were eager to respond. “Using solar power saves oil and gas, which will put the economy in a better situation,” said Robby Gisbert. Kyle Looby also conveyed his understanding of solar power as a cost-effective, renewable resource when he said, “Solar power saves money on gas.”

The winning schools were:
 
Race Winners:                         1st Place, Skyline Middle School Car #15
                                                2nd Place, Sanford School, Car #12
                                                3rd Place, Springer Middle School, Car #17
                                                4th Place, Sanford School, Car #11
                                                5th Place, Springer Middle School, Car #16

Design Winners:                      1st Place, Sanford School, Car #11
                                                2nd Place, Milford Middle School, Car #9
                                                3rd Place, Caravel Academy, Car #3
                                                4th Place, St. Catherine of Siena School, Car # 19
                                                5th Place, Holy Cross School, Car #7

For more information on solar and other alternative sources of energy and the programs of the Delaware Energy Office, visit
http://www.dnrec.delaware.gov/energy/Pages/default.aspx or www.energy.dnrec.delaware.gov.