Author: Principia Solar Car

Meet the high-voltage junction box for RA XI. ⚡️

Microfinish’s nickel-plated copper bar allows us to effectively distribute electricity throughout our car. Shout out to Microfinish for their support of the team. ☀️🏎

RA XI is making its debut at ASC 2021 soon! Here’s a throwback to some of our favorite solar cars from over the years. Which RA installment of the past was your favorite?

Landon is Prin Solar’s embedded systems developer, who works to program and assemble RA 11’s circuit boards. He writes code for several essential parts of the car, including the lights, battery pack, and data communication between the car’s systems.

“My goal is to help the team as much as possible by contributing what I know, while also gaining practical skills for after college in the process”

Michael is Prin Solar’s lead driver for the second consecutive American Solar Challenge. As Head of Mechanics, he has conducted a multitude of impact tests on RA XI’s frame to ensure driver safety on its trip along the Santa Fe trail.

“The hands-on experience I get from working with Solar Car is invaluable to me as an aspiring engineer”

In order to race competitively, solar cars have to be built with the lightest, strongest materials possible.

Zoltek, headquartered just across the river, provides Prin Solar with carbon fiber that adds strength to our vehicles exactly where it’s needed. Shout out to #zoltek for their long-standing support.

Serving as a faculty advisor for the 2021 team, Professor Kamusinga has overseen the creation of five solar cars for 11 races at Principia. He emphasizes the importance of students “learning by doing” and as a chemist, he loves adding undergrads of any major onto the team.

“It’s important to ensure multiple perspectives, a variety of thought on the team”

RA XI is coming together! On July 27, we will head west to Topeka, Kansas for the 2021 American Solar Challenge. More info on the route & history of the Santa Fe Trail can be found at this link (via Scientific Gems): https://scientificgems.wordpress.com/2021/05/29/asc-2021-updated-route-map/

Special thanks to the local Aggressive STL for completing RA XI’s vinyl wrap, back in June!

Fresh off Graduation Day with a Mechanical Engineering degree, Billy hopes to bring RA XI to new levels in his 5th year with the team. He is working as a mechanical grunt and team lead for the summer.

“Our team goal is always to glorify God and do our best. Winning is also, naturally, a goal.”