A Solar Challenge Route Doesn’t Just Happen

Designing the route for the Sasol Solar Challenge is no small feat—it’s an intricate, 18-month-long process involving countless hours, kilometres of road trips, and a delicate balancing act between competing priorities. As organisers, we aim to create a route that delivers an unforgettable experience for the teams, showcases the beauty of South Africa, and reflects our commitment to sustainability and education. But behind the scenes, there’s far more complexity than meets the eye.

A solar challenge route doesn’t come together overnight, and it certainly doesn’t come together through a quick session on Google Maps. It’s a process that requires meticulous planning, strong relationships, and an in-depth understanding of what it takes to host a world-class solar car event.

Priorities in Route Design

The teams are at the heart of the Sasol Solar Challenge, and their experience is a top priority. We design routes that test the limits of their vehicles, offering a mix of terrains that cater to the diverse strengths of the solar cars. Long straights, steep ascents, sharp turns, and rolling hills are all carefully considered to ensure a fair challenge.

But it’s not just about the teams’ technical performance. We also want them to experience South Africa’s unique beauty, so the route must pass through interesting, picturesque, and sometimes remote locations. At the same time, we consider traffic conditions, avoiding overly busy roads while acknowledging that public traffic can’t always be avoided.

Every decision is a trade-off. A route section may be perfect for solar cars but require additional safety measures for local communities. Or a control stop might offer fantastic facilities but require creative solutions to minimise disruptions to local traffic. Balancing these competing priorities is both an art and a science.

Engaging Communities and Education

The Sasol Solar Challenge is not just a competition; it’s a platform for education and community engagement. Every route is designed to maximise educational opportunities, from visits to schools to creating control stops in areas where we can engage directly with students and local communities.

Control stops serve as more than just checkpoints for the teams—they’re opportunities for us to inspire young minds about renewable energy and sustainable mobility. But finding the perfect control stop location isn’t easy. We consider everything from the venue’s capacity to accommodate solar cars and support vehicles to the safety of entering and exiting the area. Even seemingly minor factors, like potholes, steep stormwater drains, or speed bumps, can be dealbreakers.

The enthusiasm and support from local communities are also key. We look for towns and venues that embrace the event and its message, helping us create an atmosphere that’s as inspiring for the spectators as it is for the teams.

Stakeholder Collaboration and Contingency Planning

The Sasol Solar Challenge wouldn’t be possible without collaboration. Local authorities play a critical role in granting permissions for us to use their roads and facilities, and their support ensures the event runs smoothly.

But what happens if something goes wrong—a natural disaster, a road closure, or an unexpected issue? Contingency planning is another crucial part of the process. We always identify backup routes or sections of road that can be used if the original plan becomes unfeasible.

The Road to 2026

For the 2026 Sasol Solar Challenge, our planning has already begun. Over the next 18 months, our team will conduct multiple road trips, engaging with stakeholders, inspecting routes, and fine-tuning the details. These trips aren’t just about plotting a path; they’re about ensuring every kilometre meets the rigorous standards required to host solar car teams from around the world.

From mapping out weather impacts to understanding the intricacies of each solar car design, every factor plays a role in the route’s success. And in the end, it’s all about delivering the best possible experience for the teams while inspiring the communities we pass through.

A solar challenge route isn’t just a line on a map—it’s a carefully crafted journey. It’s the result of countless hours of work, collaboration, and a shared vision for innovation and sustainability. As we look ahead to 2026, I’m excited to see this process unfold once again, knowing that every road we travel will bring us closer to a new chapter in this incredible challenge.

If you’re curious about the behind-the-scenes work or want to learn more about what it takes to design a solar challenge route, I’d love to hear your thoughts!