On the 31st of January, REDARC Electronics signed on as the major sponsor of the TAFE SA Solar Car Team who are preparing to take their SAV (solar-articulated vehicle) to the next three World Solar Challenges.
The Bridgestone World Solar Challenge from Darwin to Adelaide, approximately 3000km, is held every two years. In 2017 the event attracted 42 entries from 19 countries.
Project manager Greg Bassani, who is also TAFE SA Acting Director, Mining, Engineering, Transport, Building & Construction, said his team was thrilled with the continuing support of REDARC.
“They have been a generous sponsor over many years and so supportive which enables us to be innovative in the design of our vehicle,” he said.
“In 2017, we set a precedent by entering the cab of our Solar Articulated Vehicle into the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge. In 2019, we expect to be adding the trailer to the prime mover to show the capability of fully solar-powered articulated vehicles for long distance freight haulage.”
Mr Bassani said TAFE SA students gained valuable knowledge and skills through their involvement in the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge.
“Our students learn teamwork and entrepreneurial skills and gain expertise in solar car design and operation, and importantly, they also see the potential applications for renewable energy technology across a wide range of industries, including transport,” he said.
REDARC Electronics is a technology-based company that designs, manufactures and provides patented, reliable and fully integrated, portable vehicular power solutions.
The company’s state-of-the-art facility at Lonsdale includes a 100kw solar power plant and a Tesla battery bank, with 370 solar panels capable of generating 140 megawatt hours of energy per year.
REDARC’s managing director Anthony Kittel said, “Sponsoring the TAFE SA solar car race team is a great fit for REDARC. We have an extensive range of solar products with an established Australia-wide REDARC Solar Approved Installer Network and our qualified technical staff really enjoy working closely with the TAFE SA team,” he said.
“We are delighted to build on this longstanding partnership with TAFE SA that began in 2013. Over many years TAFE SA has provided extensive training in electronic engineering for REDARC’s workforce.”
Mr Bassani said involvement in the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge reinforced
TAFE SA’s commitment to training people for careers in industries that were aware of their environmental obligations and looking to minimise their carbon footprints.
“The solar and renewable energy industries continue to grow and an increasing number of our students are finding employment within these sectors,” he said
Pictured (L-R): Anthony Kittel (REDARC Managing Director), Brett Mahoney (TAFE SA Executive Director Business Development) REDARC Electronics sign on as the major sponsor of the TAFE SA Solar Car Team
Pictured (L-R): Bob Schinckel (TAFE SA Electrical Lecturer and assistant team manager), Greg Bassani (TAFE SA Acting Director METBAC), Anthony Kittel (REDARC Managing Director), Brett Mahoney (TAFE SA Executive Director Business Development), Tennille Reed (REDARC Marketing Manager) and Mike Hartas (REDARC Defence Account Manager)