Anaheim Public Utilities to Put Solar Powered Golf Carts to the Test

    ANAHEIM, Calif.--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.