1. We hope for sunny, clear skies for Junior Solar Sprints
We hope for sunny, clear skies for Junior Solar Sprints...but we can’t control Mother Nature. There are no rain days. We stay outside in the cloudy weather or move indoors if it's raining. The cars will run on battery power. Your students will be provided with a Fake Solar Panel. Here’s how that works.
Your students may need to switch from one power source to the other. Cars are expected to be able to run on either battery or solar power on race day.
Your students aren’t required to have the battery holder attached to their car. These fake panels replace that older rule.

2. The Fake Panel is made of corrugated plastic and is roughly the size of the Pitsco Ray Catcher.
On the back will be Velcro. 2 rows across the top and bottom of alternating soft and hard pieces.
TOP VIEW
velcro
UNDERSIDE

3. Your students should have Velcro aligned to this panel in the event we need to use them on race day.
Using small pieces is recommended to prevent excessive bending.
Bending can break the internal photovoltaic cells in the solar panels, so we strongly suggest that you copy this velcro placement (pictured).
velcro
velcro
UNDERSIDE

4. TOP VIEW
The Fake Panel uses 1 AA battery that will be provided on race day.
It is connected to a small ON/OFF switch (black).
The ON/OFF switch is connected to a Microswitch (green).
The Microswitch is an additional control on the flow of electricity. When it is held down, the flow is blocked. When the arm is released, the flow is open.
Battery Pack
ON/ OFF Switch
Microswitch
Red wire connection
Black wire connection

5. Your students will use red and black wire to connect to your team’s motor. These wires will be provided on race day.
A volunteer will hand the fake panel to students who are racing and are setting up at the start line. They will connect the red and black wires to the fake panel and their motor. They will be told to turn the ON/OFF switch to ON.
Immediately after, they will hold down the arm on the microswitch.
On “Ready, Set, Go” the student will let go of the microswitch and hopefully their car zooms down the track.
TOP VIEW
Battery Pack
ON/ OFF Switch
Microswitch
Red wire connection
Black wire connection

6. These panels will be shared
These panels will be shared. Only students that are “Now Racing” or “On Deck,” will be allowed to use the panels.
The red and black wires will be shared. Only students that are “Now Racing” will be allowed to use them.
(Car in picture used as example only. This is not a JSS compliant car.)

7. We recommend having your students paint a red dot next the positive tab on their motor, as pictured.
The motor can spin clockwise and counterclockwise. The direction depends on how you connect the positive and negative leads.
Make sure students know which way they need to connect their wires to the motor.
The motor used in the picture is for demonstration only. Your students must use the Pitsco 280 motor.

8. This short video shows a car connected to a fake solar panel
This short video shows a car connected to a fake solar panel. Please watch and share with your students.

9. Remember:
Cars must use the Pitsco 280 Motor. Students can use whatever they like for all other parts.
Cars must be able to carry a 12oz empty soda can with the tab attached. It must be a soda can. Cans won’t be provided. Students can share cans if needed.
The can is their passenger. You can’t directly attach the can to the car. Their “passenger” must be able to get in and out of their car and retain its original shape.
The solar panel can’t rest on the soda can.