# Solar-Powered Race Vehicle Innovations Power Integrations Boasts a Specialized Reference Kit By Kalin Ned | Published 2025-08-22 | Autos Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/solarpowered-race-vehicle References: [businesswire](https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250821250611/en/Power-Integrations-Rolls-Out-Reference-Design-Kit-for-Solar-Race-Cars-Featuring-High-Efficiency-Gallium-Nitride-IC)  The semiconductor technology firm known as [Power Integrations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/voltup) has developed a specialized reference design kit — designated RDK-85SLR — to support engineering teams constructing [solar-powered race vehicles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/beambike). The RDK-85SLR kit provides the necessary components and documentation to build a compact 46-watt auxiliary power supply, which can briefly deliver up to 80 watts. The company utilizes its proprietary gallium-nitride (PowiGaN) switch technology, which is integrated into an InnoSwitch3-AQ flyback [power supply IC](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/power-electronics). Power Integrations notes a notable technical feature — the elimination of a heatsink due to high efficiency, which reduces the system's weight and size. This stands to offer a critical advantage in solar racing. The design originated from a collaboration with a university team from ETH Zurich and has been proven in competition, reportedly achieving 95 percent efficiency across various load conditions. Image Credit: Power Integrations ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.8/10 - Popularity: 31% | Activity: 36% | Freshness: 47% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Autos](https://www.trendhunter.com/autos) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Gallium-nitride Power Components:** Gallium-nitride technology, exemplified by Power Integrations' PowiGaN switch, is enabling lighter and more efficient power systems, revolutionizing solar-powered vehicle designs. - **Heat Sink Elimination:** Eliminating heat sinks through high-efficiency components results in lighter, more compact power supplies, offering significant advantages in competitive solar racing applications. - **University-industry Collaborative Design:** Collaborations like the one between Power Integrations and ETH Zurich highlight the potential for academic partnerships to drive cutting-edge technological solutions in niche engineering challenges. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Semiconductor Technology:** Advancements in semiconductor technologies, such as those made by Power Integrations, are providing the tools needed for innovative applications in renewable energy sectors. - **Renewable Energy Vehicles:** The development and adaptation of solar-powered race vehicles is fostering a new level of innovation in the renewable energy transportation industry. - **Automotive Engineering:** The integration of high-efficiency power solutions is reshaping the landscape of automotive engineering, particularly in the niche of solar racing vehicles. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Solar-Powered Sleek Bikes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-solaris.md) - [Ultra-Dense Power Modules](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nrel-ulis-silicon-carbide.md) - [Light-Powered Racing Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lightn-race.md) - [Functional Bidirectional Chargers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/solaredge.md) - [Efficient Scalable Solar Panels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/perovskia-solar.md) - [Roof-Mounted EV Charging Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gosun-sun.md) - [User-Friendly Solar Panels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lunar-energy.md) - [Exceptionally Efficient Solar Cells](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/efficient-solar-cell.md) - [Origami Travel Solar Panels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/solar-panel-origami-technology.md)