AMECO Solar Sponsors Solar Grand Prix Model Cars

And their off!

Recently, hundreds of middle school and high school-aged students gathered for the kick-off orientation of the fourth annual Solar Grand Prix, an event put together by Councilwoman Gerrie Schipske, the 5th District Solar and Sustainability Task Force and Partners of Parks.

We’re proud to announce that AMECO Solar is sponsoring this exciting and educational event where local students learn about solar power while also applying their practical math and science skills.

At the kick-off, each of the 79 teams was given a Solar Power Car kit that included a miniature-size solar panel and motor. The challenge? Work with their teammates to design and build the car that will race down the 65 foot track the fastest. Rumor has it that the lightest designs are usually the top competitors, but awards are also given for the most creative designs.

AMECO employees have enjoyed participating in past years, cheering on our sponsored teams and even participating as one of the highly esteemed judges.

One of our team members explained “It’s cool to see the kids get so excited about solar energy and the designs of their cars. Some are so innovative! I remember one group picked up trash at the park a few weeks before the event and then used different pieces from the trash to build the solar power car.”

Other favorite designs included one made entirely of old, plastic CD holders and more technical designs where the solar panel could tilt to find the best angle for solar energy or bike gears were used to adjust the speed of the car. We can’t wait to see what the kids come up with this year.

“This year’s Solar Grand Prix will be bigger and better than ever. We have a record number of students and coaches who have signed up to compete in the race. Every year, I’m amazed at how innovative and technologically advanced our students are when I see the model cars they create each year,” Councilwoman Gerrie Schipske told the reporter at Everything Long Beach.

Mark your calendars for Saturday, April 20 and join us at El Dorado Park for the fourth annual Solar Grand Prix!

In the meantime, read more about the Solar Grand Prix at Councilwoman Gerrie Schipske’s blog and Everything Long Beach, or check out the Grunion Gazette’s video of the solar-powered model cars in motion from last year’s event.