Sunrayce 1999 and Solar Now! Festival

On June 21, 1999, the Sunrayce solar cars made an overnight stop at the NCSU McKimmon Center and Solar House on the route from Washington DC to Orlando FL. In conjunction with the rayce, the NC Solar Energy Association organized a renewable energy fair, with exhibits, food, music, and dislpays of alternative-fuel vehicles. The Triangle Electric Auto Association provided demonstration rides in electric vehicles.

The weather was poor for solar racing. The heavy overcast provided very little power to the competing cars. The cars had started in Charlottesville VA at 10am, and were predicted to start arriving in Raleigh at 3pm. The first car finally did arrive at about 5:30, and the second slipped in at a few minutes to 6. Only the two cars finished that day's course; all the rest arrived on trailers. The weather was no better the next morning as the cars left at 10am headed for Charlotte.

The TEAA displayed six electric cars and three pickup trucks. Cars included one built by Northeast Guilford High School, two built by Garner High School, Advanced Energy's Fiero. Carolina Power and Light brought 2 Prizms and 3 versions of the S-10 pickup: US Electricar, Solectria, and Chevrolet.

Garner High School also brought a solar battery charging station that they had built.

TEAA members were on hand to answer questions and give test drives.

NC Department of Transportation displayed 4 alternative-fuel trucks. The dump truck uses bio-diesel. In the middle are propane, natural-gas, and ethanol pickups. At the far end is an electric pickup, converted by DOT employees using an EV America design.

The Zappy electric scooter was very popular,especially with the short people. Kids would ask permission to ride, and I'd demand their parents be present and consenting. Then I'd turn my back and every kid within a mile would take a ride. The only wipeout was performed by an adult.

Music was provided by several bands throughout the afternoon and evening, powered by photovoltaics. Fortunately, the panels were set up a week in advance and the batteries were fully charged, so the music really was all solar-powered.

The University of Virginia brought along a solar-powered, remote controlled lighter-than-air craft, and showed their plans for the next version.

The Solar Cars

The first of the two cars to finish Monday's course was the University of Missouri-Rolla.

The second, and last, car to finish Monday was Queens University (Ontario).

The next morning, skies were still gray, but all the teams aimed their solar panels to collect what energy they could. The designs of charging stands to tilt the panels were as diverse as all the other aspects of the cars.