Annual Solar Cup 
The Solar Cup is a solar-powered boat race competition where students design, build, equip, and race solar-powered boats. It is a contest of design, speed and endurance that allows the participants to use an alternative power source in a real world application. This FREE event is open to the public, colorful, and entertaining. It is held at Metropolitan Water District's (MWD) Lake Skinner reservoir in the Temecula area May 16,17,18, 2008.
EMWD is in the process of reviewing applications for the 2008 Solar Cup event.Due to the limited number of spots available for the event, the application process will take longer than expected.
All 2008 applicants will be notified on Monday, 10/22/07 regarding their status.
We apologize for the delay; however, given the quality of the applications the review and decision making process will be extensive.
If you have questions or comments, you may contact Education Specialist, Malea Ortloff by email or phone as follows:
ortloffm@emwd.org
951.928.3777, ext. 4405 (office phone)
951.805.8474 (cell phone)
Thank you for your patience!
Solar Cup 2007
Lake Skinner is a drinking water reservoir owned and operated by Metropolitan Water District. It can hold up to 44,000 acre-feet of water (one acre-foot = 360,000 gallons). Because it holds future drinking water, even though the water will still be treated, no swimming, wading or "body contact" is allowed. The lake's fishing and camping activities are operated, by lease agreement, by the Riverside County Parks and Open-Space District.
This year's Solar Cup was a complete success. See more about it:
Solar Cup Requirements
There is no required minimum or maximum number of team members. Teams have ranged in number from one to 30. Each team must have a faculty advisor. Some teams have several advisors, as well as the assistance of team members' parents.
Boats:
Boats are built from identical kits of marine-caliber wood provided by Metropolitan. Single-seat boats are 16 feet long, and weigh about 50 pounds.
Solar Equipment:
Boats may use up to four solar collection panels, which are generally 4 feet square, although configurations differ. The maximum output allowed from all panels is 320 watts.
Weight requirement:
Maximum weight allowed for boat and skipper is 451 lbs.; the minimum weight of the skipper is 132 lbs. Ballast-usually bags of gravel-may be added to bring the pilot's weight up to 132 lbs.
Safety:
Each skipper must pass a Red Cross swim test. Each boat is equipped with a safety cord attached to the pilot's life vest; should the cord be disconnected while the motor is running, the motor is automatically shut off. In addition, a safety boat and lifeguards hover nearby.
Funding:
Metropolitan Water District assumes the costs of the Solar Cup workshops, main event, administration and related costs totaling approximately $75,000. Participating Metropolitan member agencies support each team with $3,000 with which to equip their boat, and related expenses.
Solar Cup begins with signup in December, and includes a boat-building event and several workshops focusing on technical aspects such as drive trains, electrical systems, solar power collection and steering systems. Teams are also required to meet deadlines for submitting illustrated reports on these systems.
Visual Displays:
Each team is required to present a visual display showing how solar power can be used locally and/or globally to address a water problem.
For further information regarding Solar Cup, please contact our Education department at 951-928-3777, ext. 4405.
Directions to Lake Skinner:
Take 15 freeway to Rancho California Road. Go North 10 miles to the main gate.
Lake Skinner Recreation Area
33740 Borel Road
Winchester/Temecula
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