Going Green – Revolutionizing the world of golf!
Alternative energy is a hot topic and one that is under more focus today than ever before. Large scale reduction of CO2 emissions are required and need to take place within the next 20 years. New ways of thinking in terms of not only producing but also utilizing alternative energy is a necessity. This trend is now affecting many aspects of our daily lives including how we use energy at home, work or during leisure time and no action is really too small. The slightest effort can make a significant difference.
solar power is a fast growing sector in the alternative energy industry. in denmark the main focus so far has been on wind generated power but that is about to change with solardrive, a danish-based company that recently launched brand new types of solar panels specifically designed to power golf carts.
back in 2003, a couple of danish civil engineers worked on an idea. the lads aimed to improve the conceivability of batteries operating on solar energy. the project was the early start to what would soon become the innovative company “solardrive”. the corporation is danish and collaborates with the poly technical university in hong kong.
the highly efficient solar-cell roof panel that solardrive develops can be retro-fitted to any make of electric golf cart. solardrive’s technology for golf carts is constructed with a roof consisting of two of its modular solar panels, each with the capacity for 90watts of power.
the technology behind the solar panels has proven to be very efficient. without going into technical details, the hype is really about the mechanism of the converter that can operate fully even when it’s only exposed to daylight. these facts should prove attractive to the three major golf cart manufacturers dominating the golf industry. “solardrive’s golf cart can be operated throughout the day without recharging. that provides an opportunity to reduce the electricity bills as well as it enables a golf club to rent out one cart more times in a day, which further improves gross profit,” says solardrive’s peter randow.
quality is a key word associated with the world of golf, particularly for players both on and off the course. market analysis on preferences in terms equipment and environment reveal that there is a general predisposition towards products that are of a higher standard and have long lasting design. a green environment is also of importance. in essence, the average golfer definitely cares for and is opinionated about issues concerning the environment surrounding their sport. solardrive stands for technology made environmentally friendly, but at the same time the idea is combined with good business sense.
a prototype of solar cell panels developed by solardrive was recently launched at the prestigious convention golfex dubai 2008. the interest was tremendous especially in dubai and from the americans. solardrive is poised for success doing business in dubai, which is a leading country with high end golf courses. on top of that dubai is also a country with diverse tourism increasing by the minute and a city that emphasizes environmentally friendly business practices. in the newly launched els club dubai, an exclusive golf club named after ernie els, the legendary champion of golf and number three golfer in the world, the carts are already in operation.
no one knows what tomorrow brings but solar panels will very likely be on the agenda in the future for golf carts. there are plenty of dollars to save by converting to solar panels within any golf business. not only within the green lanes of the sport are there plenty of opportunities for this little wonder vehicle. other industries are keen to try it out too including the postal service in japan, airports, zoological gardens and the likes, villages concentrated with seniors as seen in sunny california, ice cream and hot dog wheelers just to mention a few. the sky is the limit and a danish company solardrive is leading the way!
August 2008