Students put theory into practice at Solar Track Meet
At the October 2025 Solar Track Meet, first-year students present their team-designed autonomous solar trackers for peer judging.
First-year engineering students prepared for their future careers at the University of Arizona's annual Solar Track Meet. Students in the required course design and build autonomous trackers that follow the sun’s movements and measure solar energy.
“I cannot wait to explore more design projects,” said Derek Cadiz, a mechanical engineering major, who was among 560 participants gathered in teams of three or four at the University of Arizona Mall on Oct. 21 to present their trackers.
The college established the Solar Track Meet in 2022 with support from ongoing sponsor the Salt River Project utility company. In 2025, the event transitioned to the inaugural project for the four-year Craig M. Berge Engineering Design Program, which culminates with Design Day, where seniors showcase their year-long industry-sponsored projects.
Students first became certified in 3D printing to build at least one 3D-printed part. They programmed microprocessors, learned to store solar power and wired electronic microcontrollers.