EKO Instruments Sponsors UC Berkeley's Solar Car Team, CalSol, for the 2026 and 2027 Seasons

Fast-response solar sensors provide real-time data to guide team across finish line

SAN JOSE, Calif., Aug. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- EKO Instruments USA today announced a two-year sponsorship agreement with UC Berkeley's solar car team, CalSol, covering the 2026 and 2027 racing seasons. Under this agreement, EKO Instruments will provide the CalSol team with three types of scientific-grade sensors to measure live irradiance, heat flux, and temperature data.

By supplying real-time solar irradiance and environmental data to the CalSol team during their races—including the Formula Sun Grand Prix (FSGP) and American Solar Challenge (ASC)—the sensors will play an integral part in supporting CalSol's strategy team before and during competitions. While CalSol typically relies on forecast data for general planning, access to live data allows them to adjust strategies dynamically in response to changing solar conditions throughout the day.

CalSol will leverage the following three sensor types from EKO Instruments:

• MS-80S Pyranometer

• • The MS-80S is an ISO 9060:2018 Class A pyranometer, in the top tier 'fast-response' and 'spectrally flat' sub-categories, with exceptionally low zero-offset behavior, ISO-17025 accredited calibration, and a 5-year recalibration interval.

• HF-01S Heat Flux Sensors

• • The HF-01S is a compact standard plate-type heat flux sensor. It is an ideal option for research and engineering applications as well as manufacturing control and monitoring processes.

• PT-100 Temperature Sensors

• • A Class A temperature sensor with a measurement accuracy better than 0.15°C, the PT-100 provides accurate temperature measurements for PV performance ratings. A flexible option, the PT-100 is easily attached to the backside of a PV module thanks to a high-temperature resistance adhesive, temperature spreader, and cable strain relief.

"We are happy to be able to partner with EKO Instruments, whose reputation in solar measurement is unmatched. By using their fast-response solar sensors and supporting thermal measurement sensors, we're confident that our team will never miss a beat on race day. When you compete in these races, every detail counts, and that includes measurement," said Calvin Lee, Engineering Director of the CalSol team and Junior in Chemistry and Computer Science at UC Berkeley.

"We're proud to support CalSol in their mission to push the boundaries of solar-powered innovation while raising awareness of clean energy technology," said Wayne Burnett, Chief Strategy & Technology Officer of EKO Instruments USA. "By equipping the team with high-precision environmental sensors, we're not only contributing to their performance on race day, but also helping cultivate the next generation of engineers and clean energy leaders."

About EKO Instruments
Headquartered in Japan and maintaining a U.S. office and distribution center in California, EKO Instruments has delivered over 95 years of Japanese reliability and precision in solar energy sensors, environmental science, and material analysis. EKO-designed and built instruments are today deployed around the world, supporting environmental research and renewable energy projects through continuous innovation, industry-leading turn-key solutions, and an uncompromising commitment to quality.

In 2013, EKO Instruments became the first solar sensor manufacturer in the world to achieve ISO 17025 accreditation at its international testing and calibration laboratory in Tokyo, Japan— giving our partners and customers added confidence in the precision and reliability of measuring instruments and calibration methods.

For additional information, please visit www.eko-instruments.com or www.linkedin.com/company/eko-instruments/

About CalSol
CalSol is a student-run team that designs, builds, tests, and races fully solar-powered vehicles at both national and international levels, all while developing and raising awareness of clean energy technology.

Founded in 1990 with its first student-built vehicle, California Dreamin', CalSol has since designed and built ten additional vehicles, claiming multiple awards and demonstrating strong performances in the Formula Sun Grand Prix, American Solar Challenge, and World Solar Challenge. This year, we are building upon our previous experience to engineer our eleventh-generation solar vehicle.

Stay updated on everything CalSol related:
Website: https://calsol.berkeley.edu/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/berkeleycalsol/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/uc-berkeley-solar-vehicle-team-calsol/

Media Contact:

EKO Instruments Inc.
+1 408 977 7751
[email protected]
https://calsol.berkeley.edu/

Email: [email protected]

SOURCE EKO Instruments