Nordlys
Who we are
Nordlys NTNU is Norway’s first and only solar racing team. We are a student-driven organization at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU). Founded in 2023, our goal is participating and excelling in the world of Solar Racing. Solar Racing involves covering long distances as quickly as possible using only solar energy.
We aim to complete our first competition, the iLumen European solar challenge, in September 2026, and to compete in the world championships in Australia as early as 2027, with the ambitious goal of reaching the top ten teams. Our long-term goal is to become one of the top performing teams in the world, with our ultimate objective of showing Norway the possibilities of clean and renewable energy. When we have proven ourselves on the international arena, we aim to bring Solar Racing itself to Norway by driving the length of Norway using pure solar energy.
To read more about the team and it's respective groups click here
Our values
Theres nothing more valuable than creating something new. Through the project, we wish to set focus on solutions to sustainability, facilitate for multidisciplinary teamwork, and drive a passion for innovation and technology through enthusiasm and dedication.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, members of Nordlys qualify for the subjects TPK4141 and TPK4142 where the work you do for Nordlys makes up the assignment of the subject. In addition, leadership roles in Nordlys can qualify you for IØ1003 and IØ1004 and roles in the Finance group can qualify you for BINT3005 if you study Economics and Administration. In addition, a year in an organization such as Nordlys can be a game-changer for you CV, as well as being extremely fun!
The time commitment varies throughout the year depending on the project phase.
Typically we estimate that members contribute around 16-20 hours per week, with higher intensity during build, testing and competition periods, and lower intensity during exam periods. We are all students and we make sure members can combine schoolwork and their role in Nordlys.
Each project period typically starts in the fall and concludes after a competition the following year. The workflow is loosely divided into three main phases:
- Design phase - developing concepts and engineering solutions
- Build phase - manufacturing and assembling the car
- Testing and competition phase - validating the performance and competing
No, you do not need to have any prior experience to join Nordlys. We encourage students of all ages, educational backgrounds and study programmes to apply.
We provide onboarding, training and continuous support from experienced team members. While relevant experience is a bonus, motivation and willingness to learn are the most important qualities you need to join the team.
Nordlys is funded through financial support and in-kind contributions from our sponsors. These partnerships are essential for enabling the development and prduction of our solar cars. You can learn more about our partners on our partners page.
Nordlys is governed by three main bodies:
- The Annual Meeting - the highest authority within the organization, the annual meeting is attended by all members of Nordlys
- The Board - responsible for day-to-day management of the team and projects
- The Alumnni Board - (being set into motion in August 2026) provides continuity and strategic support for Nordlys' long term goals
Yes. We have built one solar car so far, Lumholtz, which is currently being updated to meet the regulations of the iLumen European Solar Challenge. We have also already started designing some systems for our next-generation car, which we intend to have completed in summer 2027.
Solar racing is an exiting and innovative field focused on advancing sustainable transportation. Solar racing events higlight and promote innovation in electric vehicles, energy efficiency, and sustainable technology.
Being a member of Nordlys gives you the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a real engineering project, develop technical and teamwork skills, work in a multidisciplinary environment, and contribute to a meaningful and innovative product. And on top of all that, it's great fun!
Still have unanswered questions? Feel free to contact us through the contact sheet on the bottom of the page!
Solar Racing
To solve the problems of tomorrow, nothing is more important than thinking new. Solar racing pushes the limit of technology and solar energy innovation through competition. Who can drive the fastest and get to the finish line before running out of energy?
Watch moreCompetitions
Competitions are where solar racing teams can show off the cars they have built. Nordlys currently have two competitions we are aiming to compete in, these being The iLumen European Solar Challenge and The Bridgestone World Solar Challenge.
The iLumen European Solar Challenge
The iLumen European Solar Challenge (iESC) is the largest solar race in Europe, and the only 24-hour endurance race for solar cars worldwide.
iESC is held biannually at the former Formula 1 track in Zolder, Belgium, and challenges teams to travel the greatest distance possible in 24 hours, often under cloudy and rainy skies. The track contains 10 corners as well as significant elevation changes, thus adding another layer of complexity to the challenge and encouraging teams to build cars that can withstand real world driving conditions.
Next competition: 19 & 20 September 2026
The Bridgestone World Solar Challenge
The Bridgestone World Solar Challenge (BWSC) is the world’s largest and most prestigious solar race. Student teams from around the world traverse the 3000 kilometers from Darwin to Adelaide in the Australian Outback with an average speed of 90 km/h! To this day, no Norwegian teams have attempted this.
The competition runs every two years and contains three vehicle classes. Nordlys aims to compete in the Challenger Class, described as an extreme endurance challenge, where teams have to build an efficient car that will be able to make the long journey from north to south in only 50 hours.
While regulations are updated before each event, major changes typically occur in every other race, meaning the 2027 rules will closely resemble those from 2025 and are what Nordlys' 2027 car will be based on.
Next competition: August 2027
Do you want to come in contact with us? The easiest way is to fill in the form!