Energy Services Bulletin banner
   

Anaheim tests solar-powered golf carts

Realizing the spreading golf epidemic means more gas and electricity usage, this summer Anaheim Public Utilities is conducting field tests on a new product called SunCaddy.

SunCaddy has a photovoltaic device built directly into a removable golf cart top. The golf cart can recharge its batteries using clean, renewable solar power.
SunCaddy, a solar-powered golf cart.
Anaheim Public Utilities tests the SunCaddy, a solar-powered golf cart power source.

Keeping up with trends

Anaheim purchased 14 SunCaddy tops under its Advantage Services program to initiate this research, development, demonstration, and renewable energy project. Renewable energy, including solar and wind power, geothermal, hydropower, and various forms of biomass, provides an infinite supply of environmentally friendly energy. The utility conducts such projects to keep abreast of technology and to evaluate how the technology may be applied to other uses and services for Anaheim.

Simple retrofit

Seven SunCaddy tops were delivered to the Dad Miller Golf Course and the other seven to the Anaheim Hills Golf Course. Plastic overhead tops were removed from existing golf carts and replaced with the SunCaddies tops, then the leads were connected to the golf cart battery packs. Installation took about 30 minutes for each SunCaddy.

Easy DC

Since the SunCaddy converts the sun's rays into direct current electricity, it requires no additional equipment to use the power; it is stored directly in the battery. SunCaddy enables the golf cart to run for about four 18-hole rounds of golf between recharging as opposed to being recharged after each round. By slowly recharging the golf cart's batteries during the day, the SunCaddy cuts the charging time in half and extends battery life. It also reduces emissions by offsetting the need for electricity generated from fossil fuels.

Print friendly version