SIKAT: RP’s second solar car has arrived

After the remarkable success of its predecessor SINAG, the Philippines’ first solar car which competed in the 2007 World Solar Car Challenge, comes a sleeker, faster, newer, and aerodynamically designed solar car using highly efficient solar cells – the SIKAT solar car. The unveiling was held on December 16, 2009 at the SM Mall of Asia after the ceremonial run along the Seaside Boulevard.

Like SINAG, the design and construction of the SIKAT solar car was undertaken by a dedicated group of faculty and students from the Mechanical Engineering and the Electronics and Communications Engineering Departments of De La Salle University-Manila, in partnership with the Philippine Solar Car Society, Inc., Pilipinas Shell, Ford, Motolite and Sunpower.

“Homegrown Filipino talent is behind every aspect of SIKAT, from its sleek monocoque shell to its dynamically adaptive electrical system. It is positive proof of the Filipino people’s technological capability to develop solar power as a viable source of renewable energy,” said Vince Perez, former Secretary of Energy and Special Adviser of the Philippine Solar Car Society. He added the unveiling was aptly timed on December 16 as it coincided with the anniversary of the enactment of the Renewable Energy Act of 2008, an act promoting the development, utilisation and commercialisation of renewable energy resources.

Sinag’s success in 2007 in the biennial international solar car challenge was a testimony of how the Philippines can stand with the rest of the world in meeting a challenge that requires superior technology and skill. The members of the PSCS deemed that they could take the challenge further, thus supporting once again another triumph to Filipino ingenuity through SIKAT.

“As SIKAT highlights our ingenuity, our will to lead, our capability for technology, and our commitment to the use of clean, renewable energy, SIKAT will also be a source of great pride for the Philippines,” said Ramon Agustines, Motolite CEO and PSCS Chair, about the group’s initiatives.

Shell companies in the Philippines Country Chairman and PSCS President Edgar Chua underscored the importance of the country’s ability to harness the power of the sun and convert it to energy to replace our independence on hydrocarbons and fossil fuels. “Through this endeavour, we want to demonstrate and interest our youth to be motivated and passionate about technology and what it can do for our country.”

He disclosed that PSCS opted to showcase SIKAT through roadshows across the Philippines starting this January 2010 instead of participating in this year’s World Solar Car Challenge. The roadshow aims towards making the youth and the general public aware of the benefits of solar technology.

“The car will be toured around the country so that our youth can see for themselves the possibility of what we can do as a nation and be the best at solar technology. I hope that with this effort, we are playing our part in not only getting the youth interested in technology but also helping move our country towards contributing to addressing the different challenges of climate change,” said Chua.

Since climate change is high in the global agenda and with the ongoing talks in Copenhagen, the quest to develop clean, renewable energy has taken the spotlight for most countries today. “Whatever we do would be very small compared to what is required globally, but everyone has to play their part,” said Chua on addressing climate change.

Apart from the unveiling of SIKAT to the public and the announcement of the upcoming roadshows, highlights of the programme were the awarding of the winner in the songwriting contest and introduction of “Lakbay”, the official jingle of SIKAT sung by up and coming band Final Cut. [Jo Diana-Diga]