Sebonack Golf Club in Southhampton, N.Y. plans to power its entire golf car fleet with solar energy using the newly developed SolarDrive system which uses solar-cell roof panels that are said to boost battery life and make it possible for electric vehicles to capture and convert daylight into sufficient energy to power them year-round. Furthermore, because the golf cars charge while they are being driven, they are said to be more efficient than regular electric golf cars.
The solar-paneled roofs, which have been fitted to the Sebonack’s existing 40-car Club Car fleet, will not only provide environmental savings, but will also likely lead to financial savings for the club. SolarDrive estimates that the consumption of grid electricity by the fleet will be reduced by between 50-75% and that the cars’ battery life will be virtually doubled.
The solar canopies are sold as an option on Club Car golf cars but can be retro-fitted to any make of golf car.
Sebonack, which utilizes other eco-friendly practices, including an irrigation system that recirculates the water used on its greens; is also considering solar panels for other buildings on the 300-acre property. “I think this is just the beginning,” says Michael Pascucci, owner of the club.
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