Jockey Club Kau Sai Chau Public Course in Hong Kong and the Sebonack Golf Club in Southhampton, N.Y recently became the first golf courses to completely power their golf car fleets with solar power.  Both fleets used Club Car’s SolarDrive system to retrofit their existing Club Car fleets.  Management expects to reduce costs in the long-term through energy savings.  The Hong Kong facility converted 205 golf cars and the club in New York converted 40 golf cars. The solar panels typically cost about $2,700 but can be eligible for tax incentives as well.  they are supplied by SolarDrive of Denmark that has a marketing partnership with Club Car. Learn more:  Golfcarnews.com

Comment: While capital costs for retrofitting may be an issue for some fleet managers, if savings can be realized in a reasonable amount of time this type of product will be another factor in the continuing trend towards more electric powered golf cars.  Combined with the recent introduction of golf cars with AC drive and increased environmental concerns the trend towards electric could significantly accelerate. – Marc Cesare