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Summary: This site says that if you add a reflector (A piece of metal that reflects more sun onto the solar panel) it can make your car significantly faster.

Link: https://calteach.ucmerced.edu/sites/calteach.ucmerced.edu/files/documents/construction_tips_for_solar_car.pdf

6.1: Zoe S, Soren D, Nasir J, Hayden U.

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Best time for Solar Panels during the day time

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Best time for Solar Panels during the day time

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The best time for solar panels during the day time is between 11am and 4pm
Group 6.2 (Mason B, Jake.H and Jacob V)

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Best time for solar panels (Most Infrared and Visible Light)

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Best time for solar panels (Most Infrared and Visible Light)

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The site gives the best time for solar panels, as well as some other things.

https://gosolarquotes.com.au/what-time-of-day-are-solar-panels-most-efficient/
6.2
Jake H, Jacob V, Masong B

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Instructions for Building Ray Catcher PDF

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Instructions for Building Ray Catcher PDF

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Instructions for building the ray catcher, with diagrams, drawings, and instructions by Pitsco in PDF form

Group 6.2 (Mason B, Jake. H and Jacob V)

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Solar panels collect the most energy when facing true south (true south points towards the south pole, magnetic south points towards the earth's south magnetic pole, apparently). If it is later in the day, panels should be slightly southwest facing.

https://energyeducation.ca/encyclopedia

Period 6, Group 3.
Sam Carroll, Nova Wagner, Hunter Clementi.

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The placement and orientation of solar panels is just as important as which type of solar panel is used in a given situation. A solar panel will harness the most power when the Sun's rays hit its surface perpendicularly. Ensuring that solar panels face the correct direction and have an appropriate tilt will help ensure that they produce maximum energy as they are exposed to the highest intensity of sunlight for the greatest period of time. Some solar arrays follow the Sun using solar tracking systems which significantly increase energy production. The following sections refer only to 'fixed' or non-tracking systems.

In the northern hemisphere, the general rule for solar panel placement is, solar panels should face true south (and in the southern, true north). Usually this is the best direction because solar panels will receive direct light throughout the day. However there is a difference between magnetic south and true south that must be considered. Magnetic south is the "south" shown when a compass is used, and this south points to the Earth's south magnetic pole. Solar panels, however, need to face solar or geographic south, which is the direction towards the South Pole. By the same reasoning, if the solar panel is located in the southern hemisphere, the panel should instead face in the direction of true north.

Depending on how solar panels are being used, it may also be beneficial to have a slight rotation away from due south. For example, depending on the use solar panels used for a home should face slightly south-west. These panels collect more energy when they face due south, but the energy is more useful if it comes later in the day. This turn allows the solar panels to produce more electricity at the hours when it is needed. Pointing the panels slightly south-west, in the direction of the setting Sun, would allow the panels to produce more energy in the evening, when people are home and using more appliances. The decrease in total production is balanced by the electricity available when it is needed most. In most areas there is enough electricity available from other sources in the morning and midday.

When solar collectors are used for heating and lighting specifically - particularly in the form of fenestration such as windows - it is actually best to have these collectors facing somewhat east. Warming the house for the day means morning sunlight is needed most.

The angle or tilt of a solar panel is also an important consideration. The angle that a solar panel should be set at to produce the most energy in a given year is determined by the geographical latitude. A general rule for optimal annual energy production is to set the solar panel tilt angle equal to the geographical latitude. For example, if the location of the solar array is at 50 o latitude, the optimal tilt angle is also 50 o. Essentially, the closer a solar panel is located to the equator the more the panel should be pointing straight up. The closer the panel is to the poles, the more they should tilt towards the equator.

The angle of solar panels can also influence the power output due to climatic and environmental factors. In northern climates, snow accumulation on low-tilt panels can reduce or completely block the Sun's rays from reaching the solar panel during the winter months. Although this effect will vary for every location, one study in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada concluded that the annual energy loss due to snow accumulation ranges from 1.6% at optimal tilt (53 o) to 5.3% at low tilt (15 o). Additionally, low-tilt solar panels are more susceptible to "soiling" by dirt and debris which can also partially block the Sun's rays.

For further reading

For further information please see the related pages below:

References

1. Robert Foster, "PV Array Tilt," Solar Energy, 1st edition. Boca Raton, USA: Taylor and Francis Group, 2010, chapter 6/page 143

2. Dave Llorens. (August 11, 2015). Which direction should solar panels face? [Online]. Available: http://www.solarpowerrocks.com/solar-basics/which-direction-should-solar-panels-face/

3. Gevorkian, Peter, "Array tilt angle loss," Solar Power in Building Design, 1st edition. United States of America: McGraw-Hill, 2008, chapter 4/page 109

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The placement and orientation of solar panels is just as important as which type of solar panel is used in a given situation. A solar panel will harness the most power when the Sun's rays hit its surface perpendicularly.

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Construction Tips When Building Your Solar Car

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Construction Tips When Building Your Solar Car

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This resource explains different aspects of your solar car that you should consider when you start building. These include the weight of your solar car, how you'll compensate for the direction of the sun, adding reflectors, and setting up the guide wire.
(6.6: Abigail V, Alyssa B, Amber L, Brandy R)

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Summary: The Junior Solar Sprint is a challenge where Middle School students build solar-powered cars. The goal of the project is to build the most interesting and fastest solar car.

Link: https://www.usaeop.com/program/jss/

6.4: Dani Ucker, Skylar Roy, Maddie Packard, & Kalia Caetano.

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The site states that the best angle for catching sunlight is 30 degrees

-Group 6.7 (Jason N, Colton G, Aiden R)

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Free solutions for CONCISE Physics - Middle School - 7 Chapter 5 - Light energy Short/Long Answer Questions question 12. These explanations are written by Lido teacher so that you easily understand even the most difficult concepts

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When making the ratio of gear size for your raycatcher, use 4.10:1 gear ratio. It is said to be the fastest ratio for anything.

-Group 6.2 (Mason B, Jake H, and Jacob V)

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Instructions on Building the Ray Catcher PDF by Pitsco

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Instructions on Building the Ray Catcher PDF by Pitsco

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A pdf with images, and instructions on building the ray catcher

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this site shows the best times to get tan, but in our case the best time to catch ray. Or when the time the Ultraviolet light rays are the best
6.8
Pascal, conrad, hailey

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This Is The Absolute Best Time of Day to Get a Tan

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We searched for the elusive No-Sunburn Golden Hour and here’s what we found.

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Need some search inspiration?  Try these:
Junior Solar Sprint
How to Build a Junior Solar Sprint Racer
Solar Derby
Junior Solar Sprint Tips and Tricks
Junior Solar Sprint Advice
Ray Catcher Instructions
Junior Solar Sprint Gear Ratios

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There are many ways to post to padlet- click this resource if you need some help!

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Junior solar Sprint rules and regulations.pdf

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Pitsco Ray Catcher Sprint Deluxe- these are the kits that we build and innovate from.

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All the materials needed to build a complete solar car for the Junior Solar Sprint competition!

Looking for standards-based activities to accompany these materials? The Solar Vehicles Teacher's Guide is available for print here, or you can download a digital copy for free here.

Order 30 kits to build a class pack!

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All the materials needed to build a complete solar car for the Junior Solar Sprint competition! Looking for standards-based activities to accompany these materials? The Solar Vehicles Teacher's Guide is available for print here, or you can download a digital copy for free here. Order 30 kits to build a class pack!

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Include:
A. A brief descriptive title of your "find"
B. A summary of the information that is useful to the class. (1-2 sentences should do it!)
C. The link you your file or resource.
D. Your Period and group number.

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Where the adventure begins!

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Southern California Junior Solar Sprint!

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The Junior Solar Sprint at Calavera will be held in Accordance with the Regulations for the National Junior Solar Sprint Event.  As you design your car, please keep in mind these key requirements:

Safe for contestant and spectators

Maximum Vehicle Dimensions: 30 x 30 x 60 cm

Leave a Space for Your Number (3 x 3 cm)

Sunlight is the only power source

Energy enhancing devices must be attached.

Steering via guidewire, using 1-2 attached eyelits

Must have a 3D chassis, solar panel must be easily added and removed.