The next World Solar Challenge will be the toughest yet, after organisers announced new rules.

The 2017 solar vehicle race across Australia from north to the south has new limits.

The most significant change is the reduction in the area allowed for solar panels on all race vehicles.

Event director Chris Selwood says that as well as a new trial-stage for cruiser-class solar cars, the tougher conditions will push teams to find innovative improvements.

“From the first event 20 years ago we've halved the solar array, meaning it's going to be twice as difficult, so we make no apologies for it being difficult,” he told reporters on the weekend.

The World Solar Challenge will be undertaken by up to 50 teams from over 25 countries next year.

The 3,000-kilometre race from Darwin to Adelaide is run every two years.

It pits the new wave of experts in energy and engineering sciences against each other across various classes and categories, aiming to stimulate designs that will form the future of transport.

The Dutch continue to dominate the field, having won six of the eight World Solar Challenges since 2001.

But Australian teams are rapidly growing in ranking and renown, with standout teams from Queensland, NSW and South Australia expected to give the Dutch some serious competition.

South Australian Environment Minister Ian Hunter announced the dates for the 2017 race (October 8-15) and encouraged all teams to use the hashtag #BWSCtakeontheDutch.

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