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WATCH: All the highlights from the epic 2018 SA Solar Challenge in 2 minutes

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Image: Khaya Dondolo
Image: Khaya Dondolo

The 2018 SA Solar Challenge 2018 took place earlier in September. The racers journeyed from Pretoria to Cape Town powered only by the sun and their passion for renewable energy.

Going further 

Very few people thought the Sonke would be able to compete with more established rivals but they surprised a lot of competitors finishing sixth (out of 9 cars). The vehicle is the product of the combined two school: St Albans College and St Augustine's LEAP school.

The event proved to be an eventful 8 days, filled with drama.

solar challenge 2018

                                                                   Image: Wheels24/ Khaya Dondolo


The journey felt more like an adventure than a challenge; the teams experienced storms from the second day of the solar challenge in Kroonstad as well as in Gariep Dam.

solar challenge 2018

                                                                      Image: Wheels24/ Khaya Dondolo

Two teams had cockpits falling off their cars while driving because of strong winds, but they did not back down from the challenge. They stood up to it and were encouraged to work on their cars and repair them over night to continue in the race. 

They got up the following day and hit the road like nothing happened, if that does not show the level of dedication in this challenge, then nothing will.

Other teams faced mechanical issues throughout the challenge, problems with their batteries, and others not getting enough charge, and struggling with energy management.

 
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