The Car
Western Sydney University's journey into the world of solar cars began in 2013 with the creation of our first car called SolAce, meaning 'solar' and 'one'. What started as a final year project, with four honour Students, has since become a long-running venture into solar power. Weighing in at 300kg, with Silicon solar cells and a lithium-ion battery, SolAce was the start to a long journey for the Western Sydney Solar Team.
SOLACE in the garage at Hidden Valley in 2013
11th in the 2013 Bridgestone World Solar Challenge
SolAce was built completely in-house at the University and with approximately 25 people on the team being led by Jay Manley, who has now moved on to work with Tesla. After completing 2891km of the Challenge the decision was made to trailer the car to the finish during difficult weather conditions. The great effort of the team achieved 11th place in the 2013 Bridgestone World Solar Challenge.
SOLACE at Hidden Valley before the 2013 BWSC
Pioneering in-house Manufacturing
Having started with only 4 honours students they were able to establish the resources and techniques to almost fully manufacture SolAce out of carbon composites in under 3 years. They constructed an oven for curing carbon composites from a shipping container at the Western Sydney University Werrington South Campus. This spirit of developing in house manufacturing abilities laid the foundations for future years of the project.
SOLACE after a day driving in the 2013 BWSC