The Solar Car Challenge
... is an annual race event in which teams build, design, and race road-worthy vehicles running on solar energy.
Currently over 200 teams throughout thirty-eight US states, Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Costa Rica, and the Bahamas have ongoing solar car projects.
WHO WE ARE.
Located and based in Staten Island, NY, our Solar Car Team is comprised of both students and teachers who are fascinated with green technology and its potential applications. As our team continues to expand and advance with experience, we constantly push ourselves to improve.
At the moment, we are in the process of designing and building a new solar car.
We are also a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization striving for advancements in renewable energy.
As the first team founded and organized in New York City, we proudly represent the state of New York in all of our involvements and achievements. Led by dedicated high schoolers, our team works tirelessly year-round to put a raceable solar car onto the road each year.
Our Mechanical, Electrical, Programming, and Business divisions work collaboratively to ensure that all aspects of our team are properly managed. With the guidance of our knowledgeable advisers, we apply previously acquired knowledge and skills to design, plan, and build.
Following the completion of the solar car, we undergo a series of test-driving procedures to ensure safety and record data with our advanced telemetry system.
OUR GOALS.
• Gain real-world skills through hands-on experience.
• Educate students on the development of the physical and technological aspects of building a solar vehicle.
• Construct a brand new car to race across the country in Summer 2026.
• Fundraise a new battery pack, motor, motor controller, and maximum power point trackers, and cover the logistics for racing.
2011
Participated in the Solar Car Challenge as the Tottenville High School Solar Pirates, driving the team’s first car, nicknamed the “Green Pirate.”
2013
Designed and built a brand new car, named “High Energy #5,” which the team has continually revised and driven until the 2021 Solar Car Challenge.
2017
Moved operations from Tottenville High School to Staten Island Technical High School and raced as the Staten Island Solar Car Team.
2018
Placed 2nd in the division during the cross country race, from Fort Worth, TX, to Palmdale, CA, finishing with 544.8 miles. Given the Texas Instruments Award and Chris Jones Award.
2019
Placed 4th in the division during the closed-track race, completing 509 laps (763.5 miles), and was presented the Chris Jones Award once again.
2021
Placed 4th in the division during the closed-track race, completing 427 laps (640.5 miles), and was presented the Daniel Sandt Award.
2025
Seagull Solar was founded. We are designing and building a brand new car to race in the 2026 Solar Car Challenge.
The Future...
We wish to continue introducing current and future generations to the world of STEM. The benefits of green energy and technology in our near future are indisputable.
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