Solar Cup 2024

On 25 May 2024, the Institute of Solid State Physics, University of Latvia (ISSP UL) hosted the 16th edition of the Solar Cup competition, which promotes science and renewable energy among students in grades 5-12.

On Saturday morning, the event was opened by Andris Anspoks, Director of the ISSP UL, who gave a rousing welcome to the participants – students, teachers, event organisers, as well as the hard-working volunteers from the Institute who made the event possible.

As the weather was particularly kind this year, the event took place outdoors. The boat categories competed in the pool, where teams raced their homemade floating models, while the solar-powered vehicles tore through a special track, competing in speed and power.

After the exciting starts for the different vehicles, the teams had the opportunity to learn more about electric cars and watch demonstrations by Mārtiņš Stirāns, Board Member of the Electric Vehicle Association of Latvia. It was followed by an informative lecture on energy production and provision in the Latvian National Armed Forces by Retired Major Harijs Zorģis. Also, the Elektrum Energy Efficiency Centre was represented by expert Edgars Korsaks-Mills with an exciting quiz, where all participants had the opportunity to check how energy-efficient their everyday life is.

This year's event brought together 32 teams with 67 students and 19 teachers from near – Rīga, Jūrmala, Jelgava, Ķekava, Sigulda – and far – Cēsis, Ilūkste, Ranka, Preiļi, Aglona, Rēzekne and Ventspils.

In the preparation phase, students first drew a sketch of their model, then made it. The event was not only a racing competition, as the teams also had to complete a knowledge test. The final score was the sum of the three – the sketches and videos submitted, the results of the model racing competition, and the results of the knowledge test.

The overall winners were the team “Tukšie termosi” from Rīgas Valsts 3. ģimnāzija, assisted by their teacher Jānis Amoliņš. The same team also won 1st place in the Car speed discipline of the People's Class category.

The other participants – student teams and teachers – did not miss out on prizes and certificates of acknowledgement from the organisers, because enthusiasm and competitive spirit are the most important things in any competition!

The organiser team is particularly pleased that the Solar Cup is encouraging young people to take a greater interest in physics and engineeering, as well as encouraging an increase in the number of future science students, which is very important for any economy. See you in 2025!

The event was sponsored by the Freeport of Riga, SEB Banka, Elektrum, SJSC Riga International Airport, Riga Energy Agency, Electric Vehicle Association of Latvia, Latvian National Armed Forces, Science, Research and Innovation Implementation Centre of the Latvian National Guard. L'Oréal Baltics provided a special surprise to the teachers for inspiring and supporting their students.

The event was organised by the ISSP UL, ISSP UL Fund, CAMART².