Using renewable energy at the club has been a concept for many, but this New York club takes it a step further by adding the golf cart into the mix.
Energy efficiency is a front-and-center issue at every club and resort property, and Sebonack Golf Club in Southampton, N.Y., is taking this attitude to heart in all aspects of its operations.
In April the property became the first in the United States to install solar-cell roof panels on its fleet of 40 golf cars. Vice President Mark Hissey says the property is considering bids for panels for other parts of the property including the golf course maintenance facility and the pump house as well. “We are looking to get a more robust solar panel for our utility vehicles,” he adds.
The Managing Partner of the Denmark-based company that designs and engineers the solar canopies on Sebonack’s golf cars says solar power growth rates, which started at low levels, have increased by an average of almost 50 percent a year and by 2,500 per cent since 2000. “There has definitely been a shift in attitude, and it is clear that the vast majority of golf clubs and operators within the leisure industry do have the desire to operate more sustainably,” he says. “We expect the Sun Belt states and New York to be the fastest growing states – plus anywhere where electricity costs are particularly high. The Sun Belt states tend to be more tuned into the power of the sun, although in reality, the technology works everywhere.”
Advantages to properties that use renewable energy include reduced carbon footprints, extended golf car battery life because of continuous recharging from the sun, reduced electricity costs, and a reputation as a conscientious, forward-thinking corporate citizen within the industry and in the eyes of members and patrons.
“Innovative golf and resort properties that want to be ahead of the curve are taking the opportunity to use both on-grid and off-grid solar technology for both front and back of house,” says the Managing Partner. “Apart from these resorts/clubs wanting to do the right thing, they will probably also recognize that more and more customers will expect and demand an eco-friendly stance from them.”
He also says golf course maintenance crews could use solar-cell technology with off-grid utility vehicles and equipment such as mowers and leave blowers.
Hissey believes Sebonack’s initial experience with solar energy has been a rousing success. “These (golf cars) will go 54 holes, no problem, without having to recharge them,” he notes. “We never have any golf carts run out of juice on the golf course. As long as they’re out in the sun, they’re recharging.”
He expects Sebonack, which has a six-month golf season, to break even on the panels, which cost about $2,700, in about two years. Properties that have a longer season would see a return on their investments much sooner, he says.
“I can’t see anybody not wanting to do this. It’s a wonderful investment for them,” Hissey says. “I am absolutely convinced that these things work.”
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