Solar Car Team at UVA

Who
we are:

The Solar Car Team at UVA is an experiential learning program of the School of Engineering where students obtain hands-on interdisciplinary experience in the design, manufacturing, testing, fundraising, exhibition, and racing of solar cars. Students from all areas of study and experience are welcome to join us!

The team is organized into three sub-teams: Mechanical, Electrical, and Operations. The Mechanical sub-team focuses on designing and manufacturing braking, steering, suspension, chassis, and aerobody systems, as well as developing carbon fiber composite bodywork. The Electrical sub-team builds and integrates the vehicle’s architecture, including the battery, solar array, embedded processing, telemetry, and hardware systems. The Operations sub-team manages fundraising, accounting, university and industry relations, logistics, and outreach.

Learn more

Team Directors

President

Josh Elquiero kws4es@virginia.edu

Engineering Director

Kevin Fleischer kkn4vx@virginia.edu

Mechanical Director

Mark Piatko smc6mc@virginia.edu

Electrical Director

Will Colwell vrh4qb@virginia.edu

Operations Director:

Theo Harsha wvq6cy@virginia.edy

Team Advisor

Prof. Adam Barnes

Senior Instructor in the ECE Department at UVA

Professor Barnes has over 20 years of experience in the collaborative design, development, and calibration of advanced sensing systems. His work spans theoretical analysis and practical implementation of mechanical and electrical systems for optimal sensor performance. He has worked closely with the FAA, EADS, and various military agencies to develop equipment meeting stringent specifications. Professor Barnes also has extensive experience communicating complex technical concepts to both domestic and international partners, and has trained numerous engineers and researchers in new procedures and technologies. His expertise includes data acquisition, real-time signal processing, vacuum systems for material deposition and microscopy, and computer systems ranging from spreadsheet programming to network and web development.