Ray Catcher® Solar Vehicle Kit
Regular price
$65.75
Regular price
$0.00
Sale price
$65.75
Unit price
per
Grades 6-12
Build, Test, and Race a Solar-Powered Vehicle
Regular price
$65.75
Regular price
$0.00
Sale price
$65.75
Unit price
per
Shipping calculated at checkout.
SKU: SKU:21211
The Ray Catcher Solar Vehicle Kit gives every student the materials to build a complete solar-powered car from scratch. Experiment with light sources, angles, gear ratios, and speed—then race to see whose design goes the distance.
605 in stock
Couldn't load pickup availability
Students Served: Up to 5 students (max)
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- Ray Catcher Solar Panel
- Motor 280
- 2 balsa wood sheets
- 4 nylon spacers
- 4 alligator clips
- 2 axles (5-1/2")
- 4 wheels
- 4 rubber bands
- Plastic gear font
- 2 screw eyes
- Two-cell AA battery holder
- Instructions
SPECIFICATIONS & SAFETY
- Assembly Method: Gluing and soldering
- Material: Balsa wood
- Tools and Materials Required: Soldering iron and solder, hobby knife, cool-melt glue gun and glue, needle-nose pliers, and a ruler
- Note: This product contains latex.
Frequently Bought Together
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Harness. Build. Race. Repeat.
From solar panel to finish line, students design and build a real solar-powered vehicle—learning energy conversion, gear mechanics, and aerodynamic principles along the way.
Real Solar Power
The included Ray Catcher Solar Panel converts sunlight into electricity, powering the motor and driving the car forward—no batteries needed for racing.
Gear Ratio Exploration
Students experiment with different gear configurations to find the optimal balance between speed and torque, reinforcing mechanical engineering concepts.
Competition Ready
Approved for both middle school and high school solar vehicle competitions, so students can take their builds from the classroom to the track.
Complete Build Experience
Every kit includes balsa wood sheets, a motor, wheels, axles, and wiring—everything one student needs to construct a fully functional solar car.
What Students Will Do
Through the Ray Catcher build, students develop real engineering skills tied to renewable energy, vehicle design, and scientific testing.
- Design and build a solar-powered vehicle chassis from balsa wood
- Wire a solar panel to a DC motor using alligator clips
- Test gear ratios and their effect on speed and torque
- Experiment with light angles, intensity, and panel positioning
- Race vehicles and analyze performance data
- Explore photovoltaic energy conversion in a hands-on context
Compare Similar Products
| Feature |
Current Product
Ray Catcher® Solar Vehicle Kit
| SunEzoon Solar Car |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $65.75 | $18.75 |
| Primary Focus | Solar-Powered Vehicle Design & Racing | Solar-Powered Vehicle Design |
| Grade Level | 6–12 | 3–12 |
| Assembly Required | Gluing & Soldering | Snap-together (no glue or solder) |
| Solar Panel Included | Sold separately (Solar Mini Panels) | |
| Competition / CTSO Approved | ||
| Curriculum Available | Solar Vehicles Teacher's Guide (sold separately) | SunEzoon Cars Teacher's Guide (sold separately) |
| Best For | Intermediate solar energy & vehicle engineering | Beginner-friendly solar energy exploration |
| View Details |
Step-by-step Overview of the Student Experience
Career-Connected Renewable Energy
Support Materials
Videos, guides, and resources to help you get the most out of this product.
Videos
Experiment with the Ray Catcher
Apply It: Ray Catcher
SunEzoon and Ray Catcher Sprint Deluxe - Attaching Power Supply
Why Teachers Love Ray Catcher Solar Vehicle
Real Solar Technology
Students work with an actual photovoltaic panel—not a simulation.
Complete Kit
Everything one student needs to build a solar car is included in one box.
Competition Pathway
Approved for MS and HS solar vehicle competitions.
Curriculum Aligned
Pair with the Solar Vehicles Teacher's Guide for 18–20 hours of standards-based instruction.
Scalable
Order individual kits or 30 for a full class pack.
Refillable
Replacement parts and refill kits keep the builds going year after year.
"Pitsco STEM products provide students learning opportunities to construct their own understanding of concepts in science, technology, engineering, and math. Students actively collaborate, communicate, concentrate, and creatively create while using processes and skills needed for next generation success in today's world. Powerful."