A senior project team is sending a solar powered boat to the International Solar Splash boat competition in Arkansas this coming May! They already made a 16 foot boat (with solar panels) for last year’s competition where they placed sixth place. They hope to return with a new boat that will get top three. The boat is completely powered by solar energy and can fit one person.
Their objectives are to: show that students are involved in ‘green’ projects, especially in engineering, and find members of the community that are interested in the project for sponsorships and support.
The project satisfies the need to replace the 14 million personal watercrafts that are powered by internal combustion engines. The EPA estimates that each year, these two stroke engines spill 15 times more fuel than the Exxon Valdez.
For more information about the team visit: Solar Boat- TCNJ Engineering
Send an email to: solarboat@tcnj.edu if you have questions or would like to get involved!
For more information about the competition visit : Welcome to SOLAR SPLASH
To see photos of the boat visit: Solar Boat Photos- Flickr