Gato del Sol IV
Adopt a Cell
We are upgrading Gato del Sol IV to compete in the 2011 Formula Sun Grand Prix — and we need your support! A large portion of the expense in building a solar car comes from the solar cells themselves.
Learn about how you can help out the team by adopting a solar cell here.
Vehicle Stats
- Top Speed: 65 mpg
- Weight: 600 lbs
- Dimensions (L, W, H): TBD
- Batteries: Li-Po, 25kg
- Electric Motor: Brushless DC, 7kW (9hp) peak
- Solar Cells: 1740 Emcore ATJ Gallium Arsenide Solar Cells
- Structure: Spaceframe (6061 Al), Shell (Carbon Fiber/Nomex honeycomb Composite)
Gato del Sol IV FAQ
What does Gato del Sol mean?
Gato del Sol is the 1982 Kentucky Derby winning thoroughbred and the namesake for our car. Stone Farm, who raised Gato del Sol, has been a longtime supporter of the University of Kentucky Solar Car Team. Gato, meaning cat in Spanish, and Sol, meaning sun in Spanish, is a very fitting name for Wildcats racing on the power of solar energy
What solar cells does it use?
Gato del Sol IV uses over 2000 GaAs Space-Grade Triple-Junction Emcore solar cells. Each are 28-29% efficient.
What is it made of?
The shell of the car will be made of a Fiberglass//Nomex (honeycomb structured) sandwich. Parts are made of carbon fiber instead of fiberglass. This gives it structural strength, while being very light. This is a similar construction to that of many airplanes.
The chassis is made out of super thin aluminum tubing.
How many man hours did it take to make?
It will surely take thousands and thousands. If we actually counted, we would never get any work finished.
How fast does it go?
During normal operation, the car is limited by controller settings. The maximum speed is yet to be determined, but is prospectively over 70mph.
What is the coefficient of drag?
Actual drag is yet to be determined, but the theoretical Cd is less than half that of the previous car (x10^-2).
How many solar cells are there?
There will be over 2000. The exact number is yet to be determined.
How many batteries are there?
This again is yet to be determined. There will most likely be between 112 and 228 lithium polymer battery cells.
How many people work on it?
There are currently around 40 active members. Before its completion, more than 50 University of Kentucky students will contribute to the production
When will we see a car like this for the everyday consumer?
