SIKAT II set to compete in the 2011 World Solar Challenge. The race towards sustainable natural energy development is on once again as the Philippine Solar Car Challenge Society, Inc. (PSCCSI) and De La Salle University-Manila unveils Sikat II, the third-generation solar car that is proudly Filipino-made.
Taking after the phenomenal performance of Sinag (2007) and Sikat (2009), Sikat II will make a mark in history as it is set to compete in the 3,000-km race from Darwin to Adelaide in Australia in the 2011 World Solar Challenge on October 16-23, 2011. This will be the second time that the Philippines will be participating in the race.
“Sikat II is a testament of Filipino creativity and ingenuity, talent and technological capability in tapping clean and renewable sources of energy such as solar power. Just like Sinag and Sikat, Sikat II is beaming with promise as it shows the world what solar energy is capable of and what Filipinos can do in the field of science and technology,” PSCCSI said.
Highlighting the ability of Filipinos to lead in sustainable energy technology, Sikat II will be designed and created by 22 engineering students and seven faculty members of the Mechanical Engineering, and Electronics and Communications Engineering Departments of De La Salle University-Manila. Leading the project are Dr. Pag-Asa Gaspillo and Jack Catalan with the support of team heads Martin Kalaw and Isidro Marfori III.
Sikat II boasts of many improvements to its design and mechanical features. It sports a sleek and aerodynamic body made of lightweight carbon fiber-honeycomb composite. Faster than its predecessors, Sikat II can run at a top speed of 110kph with its 2-kilowatt motor. It weighs in at less than 180kg, at least 20 kg lighter than Sikat and at least 110kg lighter than Sinag.
Harnessing the inexhaustible power of the sun, Sikat II is fueled by solar energy harvested and converted into electricity by photovoltaic cells. It is equipped with Filipino-made solar cells from Sunpower Philippines, a leading manufacturer of high-efficiency solar cells in the world based in Laguna.
With its much-improved solar technology, Sikat II hopes to finish the 3,000-km race in a record-breaking feat this October. In 2007, Sinag (the first Philippine solar car) delivered a remarkable debut performance by finishing 12th among 40 other participants from around the world.
Members of the Philippine Solar Car Challenge Society, Inc. (PSCCSI) include First Gen Corporation, First Philec Solar Corporation, Sunpower, Ford, Shell, Merritt Partners, Isla Lipana & Co. with Stratworks as its PR partner.
“More than a source of pride to the country, Sikat II marks another landmark achievement in harnessing alternative energy sources. The journey of Sikat II is set to start a spark that will create new awareness about the unlimited potential of solar power and the potential of our dedicated and talented young pioneers,” PSCCSI said.
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