By Neelam Rahim

The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research CSIR has joined the Sasol Solar Challenge as the official technical and science partner. The CSIR says that one of its key focuses is to conduct cutting-edge research and technological innovation to improve the quality of life of South Africans. The organisation also develops transformative technologies to accelerate socio-economic prosperity.

In discussion with Radio Islam International is CSIR Junior Mechanical Design Engineer Zubair Suddoo.

According to Zubair, the Sasol Solar Challenge is getting universities and different groups worldwide to build solar cars.

He says solar cars are usually cutting edge to push the limit of solar power and to see how far these cars can be driven. The challenge’s main aim is to use solar technology and to see how much the sun can be harnessed.

Currently in the scrutinising stage. There have been various groups whose cars are being analysed in check with the guidelines and regulations.

The guidelines and regulations include electrical safety, such as insulation, and mechanical safety, such as harnesses and safety belts. Zubair said other laws make it a fair plane field for all competitors that need to be met.

According to Zubair, some of the designers locally include the North West University and other universities across South Africa. There are also international teams that are competing from the Netherlands and Belgium.

In terms of solar rays and how much power they can harness, the cars range from around 100 watts. Zubair said the speed for this race varies quite a lot. Sometimes the vehicles don’t make it throughout the racecourse; however, the race happens throughout stages.

“The speed they normally operate at is between 80km per hour with the higher end built at around 100km per hour.”

Zubair told Radio Islam the race would start around Johannesburg and into Cape Town over seven days. The groups will compete in a section of the race daily, which is how the race will be completed.

“The scrutinising is going to end around Thursday. Once all the cars are ready, the race should start.”

Listen to the interview on Radio Islam’s podcast below.