[zcaveman]

Originally Posted by tuccillo

Regarding solar power for charging a golf cart, I ran the numbers on this in another thread. While it is fundamentally a good idea to use renewable energy, you might also want to look at the economics. At current SECO electric rates (13 cents per kWh), a 200 watt panel (which will be roughly 2 feet by 4 feet in size) will save you about $40 per year in electric costs. It will also only generate enough power, on average, to provide you with 4-6 miles of travel per day. If you routinely travel more than that you would need more solar panels to keep your battery pack charged. It is possible that a setup with a solar panel, required electronics, storage battery, etc. will run $1000 but you will get a tax credit. I just don't see a payback plus solar panels are still in a deflationary stage with respect to costs.

Would the golf cart keep charging while you were driving it? And if so, would that charge be enough to replace what charge you used when driving?

Z