Using the Solar Car Assembly is a great way to experiment with gear ratios and the angle and intensity of solar light. With three gear ratios, high speed (1.7:1), mid speed (2.2:1), and low speed (3.4:1), you can see the difference gear ratios make under different conditions. The ball-mounted panel allows you to angle the panel towards or away from the sun, showing how direct and indirect light can affect power. Experiment under a variety of conditions (sunny, cloudy, etc.) and different gear ratios.

Once a popular Japanese cartoon character, Doraemon is an exciting subject for a solar vehicle. The adjustable solar panel allows you to angle it to receive more direct solar rays for optimal power and speed. The front wheels can be adjusted to steer the car left or right. Solar Motor 01 is included. The kit also includes the driver figure, Nobita, and a helicopter propeller that can be mounted on top of the vehicle. No painting is necessary, and only the eyes and whiskers stickers need to be applied.

How it works...

The Solar Car assembly utilizes the sun’s energy to power its solar battery. The battery, in turn, transfers it’s power to the solar motor which rotates the gears. The moving gears transfer their movement to the gear teeth on the wheel and turn the wheel giving the car forward motion. The amount and intensity of sunlight received by the battery directly affects the speed of the car. You can experiment with the angle of the battery in relation to the sun. You can also experiment with different variables that affect the speed of the vehicle such as overcast conditions versus clear conditions and dawn versus noon.

Items that may be required:

Assembly

Hobby Knife

Side Cutter

Phillips Screwdriver

The Dragonfly kit utilizes a cam and crank mechanism powered by a Solar Motor 02 and Battery (0.5V–1200mA) to make the dragonflies flap their wings. The panel can be adjusted to different angles to gain more direct solar light. Construction is very easy, and the dragonflies and base are made of plastic.

This is a miniature recreation of the Kyocera ‘Blue Eagle’ created by the Kyocera company and Kitami Kogyo University. Powered by a small solar motor, this miniature solar vehicle is a great introduction to solar science. When completed, the final dimensions of the Blue Eagle are 112mm long, 40mm wide, and 24mm high.

Kyocera, one of the leaders in the Japanese solar industry, entered their “Son of Sun” solar car in the 1990 World Solar Challenge held in Australia. This effective machine competed in many solar vehicle races and similar events, proving its superb design.

Debuting in the 1992 Solar Car Rally In Noto, Japan, the Toyota RaRa X introduced it’s four-wheel design in the typically three-wheeled competition. The brilliant red, orange, yellow and pink colors are well represented in this miniature kit. This miniature is powered by a small motor and battery.

The full-sized Honda Dream made strong third place finish in the 1993 World Solar Challenge in Australia using data learned from the Kyocera ‘Blue Eagle.’ Finished size of the miniature is 115mm long, 40mm wide, and 20mm high. A small solar motor and battery are included in this kit.

Solar cells convert the energy of the sun or artificial light into electric energy.
0.5V-1200 mAh cell generates electricity even with faint light.
Recommended for use in combination with Tamiya's special solar motors.
Panel is metallic blue.

Solar cells convert the energy of the sun or artificial light into electric energy.
1.5V-400 mAh cell can produce a high enough voltage to drive the small standard electric motors seen in motorized models.
Panel is metallic blue

Specially designed to be used in conjunction with Tamiya cells.
Designed for high power and rpm.
A good match for the Tamiya 1.5V-400 mAh cell #76003.

Specially designed to be used in conjunction with Tamiya cells.
Designed for higher torque at lower rpm.
Suitable for running a lightly loaded device.
A good match for the Tamiya 1.5V-400 mAh cell #76002.

 
Unlike a dry battery, solar batteries do not store energy, they convert solar rays to electricity. Therefore, the amount of sunlight directly affects the amount of electricity a solar battery can produce. The 0.5V–1200mA battery is good for low-light conditions as a result of its high amperage (slow release of energy), and it is best when used with Solar Motor 02, a lower power motor. The 1.5V–400mA battery is good for high power output as a result of its high voltage, and it is best to be used with Solar Motor 01, a high power motor.