Sun Sprite
Sun Sprite is SASVA’s practical platform for solar engineering, fabrication, electronics, driver safety and challenge preparation—designed and built by a South Australian volunteer team.
Built to learn. Built to challenge.
Engineering in the real world
Every system has to work together: solar collection, electrical protection, telemetry, vehicle dynamics, aerodynamics, fabrication and the human processes that make safe testing possible.
The project brings adult tradespeople, engineers, educators and volunteers into practical, safety-controlled work, turning design decisions into parts, tests and measurable results.
2025 public milestone
The Bridgestone World Solar Challenge featured Sun Sprite testing at Adelaide’s Velodrome as SASVA prepared for the 2025 event.
Read the official BWSC feature
Sun Sprite at sunrise — front view
Approved SASVA media with recorded ownership, permission and safety review.
Historic vehicle markings and decals may be visible. They do not indicate a current sponsor or partner relationship.
Approved project media
Sun Sprite in the field
Sun Sprite at sunrise — front view
Historic vehicle markings and decals may be visible. They do not indicate a current sponsor or partner relationship.
Sun Sprite at sunrise — side profile
Historic vehicle markings and decals may be visible. They do not indicate a current sponsor or partner relationship.
Current build focus
Preparing the next campaign
Safety & certification
Reviewing vehicle systems and replacing legacy components where current certification requirements demand a safer solution.
Electronics & telemetry
Developing array power combining, current measurement, CAN-bus telemetry and electrically isolated support systems.
Workshop capability
Improving the CAD, electronics and test environment so the team can design, document and validate work more effectively.
Technical highlights
Solar array
Harvest and power-combining systems designed around reliable energy capture.
Battery system
Safe energy storage, electrical isolation, monitoring and endurance-focused management.
Telemetry
Current measurement and vehicle data shared across a CAN-bus network for testing and strategy.
Lightweight design
Mass is managed alongside strength, safety, handling and practical serviceability.
Vehicle packaging
Components are arranged around aerodynamics, driver space, maintenance and challenge operations.
System efficiency
Design choices are tested against the goal of travelling further with limited solar energy.
Help power Sun Sprite
Adult volunteer skills, materials, specialist advice and discussed financial support can help the project move forward.