About Us

Who We Are

The Queen's University Solar Design Team (QSDT) is a student-led organization dedicated to advancing solar energy technology and promoting renewable energy awareness. Founded in 2016, we have grown into a dynamic team of passionate engineers, designers, and advocates.

Our team combines expertise from multiple engineering disciplines including mechanical, electrical, and software engineering to tackle complex solar challenges and compete in international competitions.

Our History

The Queen's University Solar Design Team was formerly the Queen's Solar Vehicle Team (QSVT). One of the original Canadian solar vehicle teams, QSVT began in 1988 and designed and built 11 solar vehicles, setting numerous records and acquiring many accolades.

Major Achievements

2000:Set the Guinness World Record for the longest journey in a solar vehicle
2003:Placed first in both the North American Solar Challenge and the World Solar Challenge for two-seater vehicles

In addition to technical innovation and increasing awareness of the benefits of solar power, QSVT created Solar Quest, an educational initiative for local schools that had elementary and high school students design and build their own solar cars.

The Solar Design Team's new mission is to build a net zero, solar home as part of the U.S. Department of Energy's Solar Decathlon in Washington, D.C. Today, we've evolved to focus on broader solar energy applications, including the construction of fully autonomous homes like the Queen's Solar Education Center and various solar-powered projects. While our focus has expanded, our commitment to pushing the limits of solar technology and achieving excellence remains unchanged.

Our Goals

Design and build innovative solar-powered systems
Compete in international solar design competitions
Educate the community about renewable energy
Foster technical skills and teamwork among members
Contribute to Canada's renewable energy transition

Queen's Solar Education Center

We are currently constructing a fully autonomous home at Queen's University - the Queen's Solar Education Center (QSEC). While we have previously made net-zero and net-positive energy homes, the QSEC functions completely off-the-grid through the use of a wide array of advanced technologies.

This remarkable facility relies only on sunshine and rainwater to meet all its needs, representing the ultimate achievement in sustainable living. Many of our projects directly support and enhance the Solar Education Center, making it a cornerstone of renewable energy education and innovation at Queen's University.

Key Features

✓Fully autonomous - completely off-the-grid with zero grid dependency
✓Sunshine and rainwater only - no external utilities required
✓Advanced technologies - state-of-the-art systems for energy and water management
✓Beyond net-zero - going further than previous net-zero/net-positive homes
✓Educational resource for students, faculty, and the broader community

Our Projects

From Solar Charging Tables to Solar Cathod Heating, we work on diverse projects that push the boundaries of solar technology. Many of these projects directly support and enhance the Queen's Solar Education Center, demonstrating practical applications of renewable energy.

Get Involved

Are you a Queen's student interested in solar energy? We're always looking for new members! Join us to gain hands-on experience, network with industry professionals, and make a difference in renewable energy.