Solar Powered Golf Cart: Testing and Performance Analyses

An electric golf cart powered by deep cycle, rechargeable lead-acid battery bank is commonly used to carry the golfers and their golf clubs around a golf course at speed not higher than 25km/h. In operation, the cart batteries need to be charged regularly by the mains, which does not only waste energy but also results in short battery lifespan of 1.5 to 3 years. To prolong the lifetime of cart battery, conserve energy and mitigate CO2 emission, a golf cart can be equipped with solar PV system to harvest solar energy to drive the cart. This paper presents the on-site tests on a 2-seater solar golf cart powered by 420Wp solar PV system and running under tropic weather conditions. Analyses on the testing results show that a solar powered golf cart can not only improve the lifespan of cart battery but also conserve energy and reduce CO2 emission.