Small Steps: Solar-powered golf carts

I’m terrible at golf. I’ve tried it, and without the plywood crocodiles and moving dutch windmills, I just can’t concentrate long enough not to tear big chunks up out of the sod. Everywhere. In fact, I believe I may be banned – permanently – from the local country club (and parks and rec, and pleasant hill…) but that’s besides the point, really. I’ve had fun driving the golf carts around, and was happily surprised to find they’ve gone solar, too. Not only because solar energy saves fuel and creates less pollution but because they’re a better financial investment for owners.

“Your range is going to be longer because as you’re driving, it’s charging,” [Arizona golf car salesman, Jack Santoro] said. “Life expectancy of the batteries will be longer because the (solar) panel is constantly charging the batteries.”

Batteries last an average of two years longer in solar cars. At about $900 every five years for a new battery in non-solar cars, Santoro said the savings add up.

“The battery life will be extended to about seven years,” he said. “It’s worth about $200 in batteries alone.”

While electric cars have about 30 miles per eight- to 10-hour charge, the solar cars get about 50 miles per six-hour charge and supplement the charge using sunlight on daily outings, he said.

“With a conventional car, you’re going to charge it about every single day,” he said. “With a solar car, you may charge it every third day.”

So not only does solar save on pollution and batteries, but potentially your electric bill, as well. One more small step we can take at reducing our impact.

Source: East Valley Tribune

Photo: Solar Golf Cars