Environmental Valuation & Cost-Benefit News

The Jockey Club Kau Sai Chau Public Golf Course first to drive green with SolarDrive: Hong Kong golf course becomes first golf course in the world to use solar-cell technology by SolarDrive to power its entire golf car fleet
http://www.solardrive.com/media/6064/jc%20press%20release_10june09.doc
Press Release dated June 10, 2009

On June 10, 2009 The Jockey Club Kau Sai Chau Public Golf Course in Hong Kong [unveiled] an entire fleet of solar-cell powered golf carts.

The solar-cell roof panels, which have been fitted to the course’s existing 205 Club Car fleet, were designed and engineered by SolarDrive, a Denmark-based firm specialising in off-grid, solar technology for mobile use, and distributed in Hong Kong by its founding partner Vedbaek Concepts Ltd.

The initiative makes The Jockey Club Kau Sai Chau Public Golf Course the first golf course in the world, to have adopted SolarDrive’s highly efficient solar technology for their entire fleet of golf carts and the largest fleet in the world to be powered by such technology.
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The SolarDrive equipped golf carts are able to capture and convert daylight into sufficient energy to power golf carts year-round, even on cloudy days. Furthermore, as the carts charge whilst being driven, they are more efficient and can out-perform their battery-powered counterparts. By investing in SolarDrive’s state-of-the-art technology, it is estimated that the golf course will reduce carbon emissions by up to 30 tonnes per year....

The solar panel roofs, capable of being retrofitted to any make of electric golf cart, not only provide environmental savings by facilitating carbon emission free charging and driving, but will also lead to significant financial savings for the course. It is estimated that the consumption of grid electricity for the fleet will be reduced by between 50-75% and that the cars’ battery life will be virtually doubled. Savings from the extended battery life alone is expected to result in annual savings of approximately $387,500HKD ($50,000USD) across the fleet.
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Greener Golf
by Steve Newell, Instruction Editor, Golf World
http://www.solardrive.com/media/2212/editorial,%20steve%20newell%2025sep08.pdf

Almost half-a-million carts are manufactured every year and of those 70 per cent are powered by electricity. ... That’s not to mention the other 30 per cent of the carts manufactured in a year which are currently gasoline-driven. ... Resistance to going electric has until now been largely based on the fear of electric carts ‘running dry’ halfway through a round of golf. SolarDrive overcomes that problem....

Solar Panels are, of course, nothing new. But these are different. The functionality of SolarDrive’s roof cells – in essence, the cleverness of the converter mechanism – is the key. It requires only daylight to generate its energy output, boosting battery life and powering a golf cart for more than 36 holes a day, every day of the year if the need is there.

It [also] virtually doubles the estimated life of a typical battery, which cost in the region of $700 to $1,000 a set/per cart. It also enables one cart to be rented out more times in a day, which further improves gross profit.

The US government is so impressed with this technology that it is leading the rest of the world in offering significant tax incentives to encourage developers and golf course owners to adopt solar cell roof panels in its fleet of golf carts. For instance, in Arizona there is a Federal Income Tax Credit of 20 per cent, plus a State Tax Credit of 30 per cent, effectively cutting in half the initial capital outlay.

And in California, one town council is considering allowing solar-powered golf carts to be used on the streets, instead of a car.

Golf carts go solar
Long Island Business News
July 8, 2009
http://libn.com/thetechnofile/2009/07/08/golf-carts-go-solar/

Sebonack Golf Club in Southampton, ... designed by Jack Nickolas, has installed SolarDrive systems in its electric carts, making it the first course in the country to use solar energy to power its entire golf cart fleet. ...

By investing in SolarDrive’s state-of-the-art technology, it is estimated that the golf club will reduce carbon emissions by at least 6.5 tonnes per year....

The solar-paneled roofs, which have been fitted to the club’s existing Club Car fleet, will [cut] consumption of grid electricity by the fleet ... between 50-75% and ... the cars’ battery life will be virtually doubled.

Solar Roof Panel Kit
http://www.frugaldougalsgolf.com/solarroofpanel

Frugal Dougal's Golf Cart Accessories offers two different designs for a full roof kit to convert your golf cart to a solar-powered hybrid golf cart. They are quite different in design, power generation, and versatility of use on a variety of golf cart makes and models.
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This solar roof panel kit and smart controller manufactured by SunGo Power Systems is the most efficient combination available, producing 30% more power to the golf cart than the closest competitor using photovoltaic panels and three to fours times greater output than companies using thin film technologies. Depending on location, time of year, and driving conditions, the SG 187 will extend your driving time 4-12 miles per day. You may never have to plug in your golf cart! The 187 watt crystalline photovoltaic solar panel becomes the actual top of the golf cart and is connected to the battery bank via cables. It is great for golf carts on long, hilly golf courses, neighborhood electric vehicles in golf cart communities, maintenance workers' vehicles that are driven all day, and transport golf carts.
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By using solar power to operate your golf cart, you can eliminate the consumption of approximately 350 lbs of coal PER YEAR for electricity generation and eliminate the emission of 1,100 lbs of CO2 PER YEAR into the atmosphere (based on using the cart to its maximum potential of 5 sun-hours of peak sun).

The golf cart solar panel charging kit is designed by researchers from the University of Florida and is manufactured in the USA.

Benefits:
--Go Green and lower environmental degradation.
--Lower electricity bills.
--Increase the mileage/range on your golf cart by at least 8 miles per day.
--Increase battery life by a minimum of 25%.
--Fits many golf cart makes and models, including the newer Club Car Precedent, E-Z-GO RXV, and Yamaha Drive.Also converts to solar power Bad Boy Buggies, Tomberlin E-Merge, and Star golf carts. More models are being added, so please call Customer Service if you do not see your cart on the list below.
--Every component has been chosen for maximum performance, functionality, and reliability.
--30% of the purchase price can be applied as a Federal tax credit. In some states, such as Florida, state sales taxes do not apply to this solar purchase.

Features:
--A powerful Sharp 187 photovoltaic panel.
--Design uses the solar panel as the roof top of the golf cart.
--Includes the complete kit of the solar panel top, side supports, smart controller, battery gauge, hardware, and easy-to-follow installation instructions.
--Sturdy black aluminum frame, handrails, and stainless steel hardware.
--Charge controller monitors and optimizes the charging process for high power output. Controller has built in overload and reverse polarity protection.
--High grade industrial wiring and connectors.
--Simple and quick assembly. Excellent installation instructions.
--Features a gauge to monitor battery status.
--Dimensions are 58.7" long, 39.1" wide, and 2.3" deep.
--Fits on a 2-seater golf cart. Extensions are available for 4-seaters to create an extended top providing shade in the back.
--Solar panel charges 36 Volt or 48 Volt golf carts.

Two year warranty on all parts. Shipping is by truck freight because the solar roof panel kit is large.
Made in the USA.
Price: $1,995.00

Solar Golf Cart
Earthcare Green Products www.earthcaregreenproducts.com
http://www.earthcaregreenproducts.com/solar_energy/solar_golf_cart.html
Peel & Stick Golf Cart Roof

A key to the Earth Care Green Products Golf Cart Roof is their ability to lay down three separate layers of amorphous silicon, each tuned to a different frequency of sunlight. This created a cell with three active semiconductor layers, called a "triple-junction" cell. The top active layer in a triple-junction cell captures a portion of the solar spectrum, and the remaining sunlight penetrates to the second layer, which captures another part of the solar spectrum, and likewise for the third and final layer. As a result, the cell converts more of the solar spectrum into electricity, achieving a higher conversion efficiency.

Their Thin Film Amorphous Silicon Solar System was chosen as one of the “Best New Products of the Year” at the PGA Convention, Orlando, FL, 2009. In addition view our testimonial section, which includes a PGA Pro Golf Cart Test.
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The "Triple-junction" technology producing from three different levels seems to provide extraordinary amounts of energy the more your cart demands. They are seeing in some cases days, weeks and even months without charging. The Thin Film Amorphous Silicon Solar System is designed to charge a 12-24-36-48-72 or 96 volt battery systems by supplying a minimum of 1.35 amps constantly directly to a 36 or 48 volt battery bank. Extended tops systems will supply a minimum of 2-3 amps constantly.

Their newest technology being delivered in two and three separate thin line panels has the potential to deliver up to 3-5 amps. When the vehicle is in direct sunlight, the battery is constantly recharging itself through the solar panel and unlike those old, heavy solar panels; our thin film amorphous silicon solar panel will continue to charge even in cloudy and shady conditions, even under fluorescent lighting.
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According the EPA, "For every 1.0 kilowatts of electricity generated by solar power, nearly 2.5 pounds of carbon dioxide is released into the atmosphere. (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency). Using solar power rather than fossil fuel power on the golf cart reduces the CO2 released into the air by 452 pounds per year."

They have found that the panel increases the range of the vehicle between charges by an average of 50%. Another benefit is that the solar will extend the battery life by giving the batteries a continuous charge. Active charging reduces sulfur content of the lead cells in batteries, the number one cause of battery failure. If a normal set of batteries lasts four years, the solar roof panel should extend the golf cart's battery life an additional two years or more.

Also, the vehicle is portable solar generator. If the regular power goes out, you can install an optional 12 volt plug so you can plug 12 volt appliances into it such as a small TV, lights, radio and even a small refrigerator. ... If you plug an inverter into the 12 volt socket, you can operate regular 110 volt appliances off of the batteries!
Finally, the Earth Care Solar Top has no moving parts and is designed to last many years, assuming it is not damaged by an accident.
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What is my payback for investing in solar power?
If you have an EIN # and chose to write off your cart as a lease or purchase over 5 year period, you will achieve up to 155% of you investment back. If you chose to take the deduction at the end of the first year, you will receive a one time credit of 30%. Your state incentives may increase this amount. In addition you will be able to write off approximately $325.00 per year for you battery system. Check with your local CPA for exact deductions and/or credits.
An individual will receive the 30% first year credit and the yearly battery system tax advantages. In addition, if you purchase a new set of batteries at the same time you purchase your solar system, it is our understanding you get to deduct the full amount of those battery cost. Again, check with your CPA.
To learn more about the IRS ruling, go to
http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f3468.pdf.

Retail Price: $1695.00 each.
Purchase 1-9 units for 2 and 4 seater carts with normal top: $1395.00 each. Purchase 10 or more: $1345.00 each. Blanket yearly order of 1000 units or more: $1295.00 each.
Shipping and Handling are not included in pricing.