The Best of St. Croix
Junior Solar Sprint
May 2, 2008 the Junior Solar Sprint took place in the parking lot of Wendy's
Restaurant in Sunny Isle.
This event, sponsored by the Virgin Islands Energy Office, is a yearly effort to
energize and excite young people in middle and high schools territory-wide
to participate in the energy solutions of tomorrow. By giving the youth a first
hand and hands-on practical application in which to use renewable energy, it
prepares them to see renewables not as far-fetched or unfamiliar but as the
next step we must take as we progress into the world of diminished oil
availability.
As a plan for conservation, we can now use some of these renewable
technologies in our own lives to reduce our own dependence on oil and ease
the energy crunch we are beginning to experience personally.
The Solar Sprint utilizes the power of the sun to energize model cars that
race down a track while, happily, no fuel is wasted and no harmful pollution is
created.
When we arrived, the sun had conveniently gone behind a cloud bank
and so racers had to wait for power. This real world applications shows
that solar power can be cyclical and therefore may need to be used in
conjunction with another form of renewable energy to cover the cloudy
moments.
Two dedicated ladies of the Energy Office worked hard to keep the
large number of entered cars straight.
And the cloud still loomed overhead nearly until noon.
The Director of the Energy Office, Bevan Smith, happily surveying the
track.
A demonstration electric vehicle was also on site for display and
testing out by participants.
A gas-electric hybrid behicle was also on display for all participants
and attendees to get a first-hand look.
Energy Office Staff speak with an interested customer.
As the cloud bank moved away, preparations of the track were made
to continue racing.
Last minute preparations and repairs. The students used carboard
covers to block the power generation of their solar panels so that the
cars didn't go racing off before time.
And at the other end of the track, catchers, Energy Office timers and
judges were prepared for the races.
A solar panel in action.
Representatives from the V.I. Water and Power Authority (WAPA) were
on hand to encourage the young scientists.
The cars move fast! Don't blink or you'll miss the race.
Another race sets up.
Not a noise, not a spark, not a puff of smoke. Let's hear it for renewables!
Great job young people!