Are you looking to meet like minded individuals that care about new solar technology, specifically ones that run in the water? Then the The Dutch Solar Challenges is perfect for you! Being an international world solar boat competition that takes place in the Netherlands, The Dutch Solar Challenge makes for a great setting where connections are made and new ideas are shared.
About:
Similar to the Solar Splash in the U.S, the Dutch Solar Challenge is a competition where participants, mostly engineering students, come together to showcase their solar boats. Unlike the Solar Splash competition which is mostly national, the Dutch Solar Challenge is more international and includes many teams from countries like Austria, Bahrain, America, France…etc.
For a more specific description, the competition is essentially a 10 day 200k race for the fastest solar powered boat and it takes place across the canals of many cities across the Netherlands. Cities like Amsterdam, Lemer, and Grou! I feel as though people should be attending the competition just for the beautiful views!
Basic Rules:
As the name suggests, this is a solar-based energy competition. Contestants need to produce a finalist boat that runs on solar power only and that is also the fastest. This challenge has been occurring every other year since 2006. Last year (2016) was their 6th year having the competition. The participants break records every year!
The participants are sorted out into 4 different classes:
- Class A: Solar panels are provided by sponsors. Only one person drives the boat.
- Class B: Solar Panel also provided by sponsors however, two or three people can drive the boat.
- Top Class: They are responsible for providing the solar panels and are free to make the boat however they want it within the set rules.
- V20 Class: All participants from this class have the same type of boat but with different running mechanisms.
For more information regarding the rules, visit their website: http://www.dutchsolarchallenge.nl/en/
We cannot wait to see what they have in store for next year’s competition and we wish good luck to all the teams!
Related:
The Stevens Solar Boat Team at Solar Splash
The Caliber of Solar Splash Entrants
The Solar Splash Collegiate Competition
