Solar toys - Solar toy cars and Solar boats

Junior Solar Sprint

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory hosts the U.S. Department of Energy's Junior Solar Sprint/Hydrogen Fuel Cell (JSS/HFC) Car Competitions. Middle School teams from all over the Colorado Region participate in this fun, educational and exciting event. Teams work together building solar and/or hydrogen fuel cell cars with guidance from a parent or teacher coach to compete in race and design categories. A "Spirit Award" is also presented to the team recognized for good sportsmanship.

 Building of solar and hydrogen fuel cell cars for the JSS/HFC car competitions require skills in both math and science. The primary goals of the JSS/HFC program, is to generate enthusiasm for science and engineering at a crucial stage in the development of young people. The competition also helps improve students' understanding of scientific concepts and renewable energy technologies; and encourages young people to consider technical careers at an early age ... [the ultimate web site for solar toy cars with several downloadable ".pdf" files with instructions and documentation]

SunWind Solar Energy Kits

SunWind kits encourage children to build solar-powered mechanisms of their own design, to build with recycled materials, and to solarize other toys. All kits (please see list on left) come with our new solar panels (with alligator clip test leads attached), new solar motors, new instruction sets with techniques and ideas, and all necessary materials ... Also have a look at some very interesting photos for other solar toys ideas!!!

Solar Electricity Educational Resources

The following educational resources will help students learn more about solar electricity, also known as photovoltaic cells (PV) ... [a very interesting list of relevant links!!]

Solar Models

Some photos and brief descriptions of interesting solar toys with PV cells and motors ...

Model Solar Powered Boats

Some photos of interesting ideas of solar boats with PV cells and motors ...