| Anaheim
Public Utilities to Put Solar Powered Golf Carts to the Test
ANAHEIM, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 13, 2002--This summer, Anaheim
Public Utilities will conduct field tests on a new product called
SunCaddy.
SunCaddy is a solar energy array built directly into a removable
golf cart top.

It enables a golf cart to recharge its batteries using clean, renewable
solar power. Anaheim purchased 14 SunCaddy tops under its Advantage
Services program to
initiate this research, development, demonstration, and renewable
energy project. Renewable energy, which is generated from such resources
as solar and wind
power, geothermal (steam), hydropower, and various forms of biomass
(organic waste), provides an infinite supply of energy that is environmentally
friendly.
The utility conducts such projects to keep abreast of technology
and to evaluate how the technology may be applied to other uses
and services for Anaheim.
Seven of the SunCaddy tops were delivered to the Dad Miller Golf
Course and the others to the Anaheim Hills Golf Course. Plastic
overhead tops were removed
from existing golf carts and replaced with the SunCaddy tops, then
the leads were connected to the golf cart battery packs. The installation
time took about 30
minutes for each SunCaddy.
Since the SunCaddy converts the sun's rays into DC energy, no additional
equipment is needed to use the power; it is stored directly into
the DC battery. SunCaddy enables the golf cart to run for about
four rounds of golf between recharging as opposed to being recharged
each round. By slowly recharging the golf cart's batteries during
the day, it cuts the batteries' charging time in half and extends
the longevity of the batteries. It also reduces emissions by offsetting
the need for electricity generated from fossil fuels.
SunCaddy tops are manufactured by PowerLight Corp. of Berkeley,
Calif. and may be purchased locally for about $1,250.
Anaheim Public Utilities offers incentives for installing PV systems
at the home or business. For more information about Anaheim's PV
incentives or the SunCaddy,
call Dina Predisik of Anaheim Public Utilities at 714/765-4182,
or call PowerLight Corp. at 510/540-0550 regarding the SunCaddy.
Founded in 1857, the City of Anaheim is one of the nation's premier
municipalities and California's 10th most populous city. As the
oldest and largest city in Orange
County, Anaheim covers 50 square miles, with nearly 330,000 residents
and 2,100 city employees. The municipal corporation's annual budget
is $960 million and
boasts world-class companies such as Boeing, Carl Karcher Enterprises,
Disney, L-3 Communications, MTI Technology and Pacific Sunwear.
Annually, the City of Anaheim also welcomes millions of visitors,
truly making it a great place to live, work, and play.
For more than 100 years, Anaheim Public Utilities has served Anaheim
water and electric customers with low rates and reliable service.
Anaheim Public Utilities is
Orange County's only publicly owned water and electric utility.
Contact:
Anaheim Public Utilities,
Melanie Nieman, 714/765-4284
www.anaheim.net
source: press
release 2002.5.13
|