Solar 101☀️
QSDT History 📜
QSEC 🏠
2026-27 Projects⚙️
The Team👨‍🔬
100

What is the difference between solar PV and solar thermal?

PV converts sunlight to electricity while solar thermal captures sunlight as heat.

100

What year was QSVT created?

1988

100

What does QSEC stand for?

Queen’s Solar Education Centre

100

Which QSDT project is focused on using the sun to produce heat instead of electricity?

Solar Thermal Heating Project

100

What discipline of engineering is Co-Captain Noah Smid studying?

Civil Engineering

200

Why does solar PV output fluctuate throughout the day even if the weather is perfectly clear?

The Sun’s position changes, changing the angle and intensity of irradiance reaching the panel.

200

In 2007, what Guinness World Record did QSVT set?

Longest distance travelled in a solar vehicle: 7,044 km

200

What is QSEC used for?

Student projects and education!

200

Which project team will be competing in the INCOSE competition?

Solar Research and Modelling Project

200
Who was the website project manager last year?

Adrian

300

What phenomenon allows a PV cell to convert sunlight into electricity.

The photovoltaic effect

300

What was the name of the vehicle that QSVT set a Guinness World Record with?

Radiance

300

What year did QSEC's design process begin?

2010

300

When do Project Manager applications close on Clikk Apply?

Thursday, September 24th

300

What positions do we currently have up on Clikk Apply?

Project Manager, Sponsorship Coordinator, Outreach Coordinator, Events Coordinator

400

What material is the main semiconductor used in most solar panels?

Silicon

400

What year did QSVT become QSDT?

2009

400

What year did QSEC's public tours/opening take place?

2016

400

In the proposed hydronic radiant flooring heating system, what carries heat around the building?

Water + glycol (antifreeze) mix

400

What is the name of QSDT's faculty advisor?

Dr. Stephen Harrison

500

What happens to the current and voltage of a PV array when identical panels are connected in parallel?

Current increases while voltage remains approximately the same.

500

Name 3 of QSVT's past vehicles.

Any 3 of:

Photomoto, Mirage, Gemini, Ultraviolet, Aurum, Radiance, Sunquest, Sunquest II, Dawn Treader

500

What is the official address of QSEC?

244 Sir John A. Macdonald Blvd

500

Name all 5 projects that QSDT is taking on this year.

1. QSEC Winter Heating Project

2. QSEC Off-Grid Water Systems Project

3. Solar Research and Modelling Project

4. Solar Thermal Heating Project

5. Website Project

500

Name two previous QSDT Co-Captains.

Any two of:

Jack, Haleigh, Chloe, Davis