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10 Levels of Participation

10.1​

Event participants must choose to participate in one of the following five divisions of racing. Event Officials reserve the right to recategorize teams into a different division if there are less than 3 teams in any one division

10.1.1 CLASSIC DIVISION​

The Classic Division retains all the rules and regulations set out in the Official Rules. No hub motors can be used. Solar modules (either individual cells or panels) must be have a rated efficiency of 22% or below. Prefabricated solar panels are rated per overall panel efficiency. Solar cells are rated per individual cell efficiency.

10.1.2 ADVANCED CLASSIC DIVISION​

Schools desiring to enter in the Classic Division, but have participated for three or more years in the Solar Car Challenge must be entered in the Advanced Classic Division. This division retains all the rules and regulations of the Classic Division.

10.1.3 ADVANCED DIVISION​

The Advanced Division provides teams an opportunity to explore new and upcoming technology for their solar car. In addition to rules and regulations set out in the Official Rules, teams may use a hub motor, solar cells that have a rated efficiency above 22%, prefabricated solar car molds and/or other battery types. The list price for all bare solar cells must be less than $10/watt; teams may pay extra for cutting, tabbing, or lamination of cells. Prefabricated solar car molds are defined as molds designed for solar cars that are not directly constructed by team members (i.e. molds purchased, donated, or otherwise obtained). The body made from these molds must be made by the team. Batteries may be of any chemistry type, but must have the appropriate protection systems required by that type. Battery capacity remains limited per Section 5.4, measured at nominal capacity (1C).

10.1.4 ELECTRIC-SOLAR POWERED CAR DIVISION​

The Electric-Solar Power Car Division provides teams the opportunity to build a two-seater electric vehicle powered by a stationary power station. This vehicle must meet all relevant requirements set out for a Classic Division car. [See Section 32 for specific Electric-Solar Powered Car Division requirements.]

10.1.5 CRUISER DIVISION​

The Cruiser Division provides teams the opportunity to build a solar car that resembles a regular passenger vehicle. With seats for 4 including driver, teams receive points for the number of person-miles carried by the solar car. This vehicle must meet all relevant requirements set out for an Advanced Division car. [See Section 33 for specific Cruiser Division requirements.]