Energized By Keith Andrews
Edition: November/December 2011
Solar power is in the news. The desire to convert from conventional forms of energy to cleaner options such as solar seems to be growing. Even our small electric vehicles market has seen a variety of solar tops. The question most of us have at the end of the day is, do they really work. To learn more I decided to talk to Erik Andersen, General Manager of Sales and Marketing for Solar Drive of Denmark.
Erik, I think what most of us want to know more are the benefits to the solar top for use in the golf and low speed vehicle applications.
Erik:Generally speaking, two of the most common performance problems are very basic: (1) Range and (2) Battery life. A good way to illustrate my point is to imagine eating at a restaurant. As you drink your glass of water, the waiter tops it off. The solar charging canopy does the same thing, keeping the batteries topped off, extending range and adding to the battery life by keeping the battery depth of discharge shallower.
What is the cost benefit relationship with a product like yours?
Erik:The ideal cost / benefit situation would be a for-profit business, which purchases the qualified energy equipment and the batteries, uses the equipment in the USA, and gets tax advice on how to then take advantage of the available federal 30% business energy property incentive tax credit and accelerated depreciation rules. All purchasers will see a reduction in electrical charging cost, an extension of the battery life charging cycles (which stretches out the replacement time), improved range (up to 6 miles of range), and reduced car charging down time.
What are some other residual benefits to using a solar top on an electric vehicle?
Erik:A solar charging canopy is visible to users, to visitors and is a confirmation of the commitment the business has to a better and cleaner environment. It takes advantage of the free energy the sun provides. Another residual benefit of course is the reduction of carbon emissions by (a) using an electrical car which does not burn gas that creates CO2s, and also (b) reducing your use of the electrical grid system overall.
What are the challenges for the retailer in selling a solar top on an electric vehicle?
Erik:Many customers tell us they really want this type of technology. The biggest obstacle is cost. The second is technical skepticism.
Some buyers want to wait for the next leap in technology. But we believe the cell efficiency is not going to change overnight, or in the next 5-10 years.
Can you tell us more about the “peel and stick” type solar tops in the market?
Erik:These units typically have wattage of around 55-60 watts (peak). The SolarDrive canopy puts out 200 watts (peak) because it uses monocrystalline cells matched with our proprietary Maximum Power Point Tracking charge controller which maximizes the amps and volts. The thin film or peel and stick do not use an MPPT. They do use a charge controller, but not an MPPT. Besides, the SolarDrive’s canopy is the best looking design on the market, and uses the best quality components, anodized aluminum, stainless steel nuts and bolts.
How does your company currently distribute and market your product?
Erik:SolarDrive currently distributes through independent authorized SolarDrive distributors and also authorized Club Car dealers.
Does the performance of the Solar Drive top change based on the geography?
Erik:Yes, it does. But the general quality and how it performs per se, always stays the same. One of the things we do well, is our no nonsense analysis of the performance of our SolarDrive solar charging canopy for your particular area. We use reliable insolation data from NASA that has been compiled for 22 years. SolarDrive takes into consideration loss of output factors in crunching the numbers.
Where do you believe the future is for solar panels on small electric vehicles?
Erik:There will be advances in technology but we believe our monocrystalline cells at 16-17% efficiency, our 200 watt size, are just about right for the specific application and purpose.
As electricity prices rise, the SolarDrive charging system will save customers even more money. The improved range and prolonged battery life will improve the owners experience.
I predict that in the next 2-5 years, we will see more OEM’s offer some sort of solar charging canopies.
For more information on the SolarDrive system, visit their web site at www.solardrive.com. If you would like to suggest an idea for future Energized articles or have some comments about this or any previous articles send me your thoughts at keitha@evergreenev.com.
