AUGUSTA, GA (Jan. 23, 2009) – Club Car has entered a marketing alliance with SolarDrive, a Denmark-based firm that specializes in solar technology for mobile solutions. Taking advantage of Club Car’s extensive distribution network, the two companies will promote the use of solar energy to commercial and golf accounts in the U.S. and around the world.
SolarDrive designs and engineers vehicle canopies made with solar cells capable of capturing and transferring the sun’s energy to electric-powered vehicles, including golf cars and utility vehicles. The solar canopies transfer from 180 to 360 watts of energy to a vehicle’s battery system, resulting in considerable additional range between charges in typical applications.
“SolarDrive is well-respected for its superior design and technological capabilities,” said Gary Michel, Club Car President and CEO. “As a leading proponent of environmental sustainability, we are pleased to partner with SolarDrive to encourage the use of solar energy in ways that promote sustainability and reduce our customers’ carbon footprint.”
Club Car said it expects the initial adoption by users that are challenged to make it through demanding usage applications on a single electrical charge. What’s more, Club Car says the availability of solar energy in an easy-to-install application may encourage facilities now operating gas-powered fleets to switch to electric vehicles.
“We are particularly proud to enter this marketing alliance with Club Car, which we consider an important recognition of the quality of our solutions,” said Peter Randow, SolarDrive CEO and founding partner.
The crystalline solar panel modules, which are capable of producing 90 watts of electrical energy each, can be configured for two- to eight-passenger vehicles. Two modules are normally used to fit a two-seat vehicle, with three and four panels installations designed for larger vehicles. The cost of a SolarDrive canopy for a standard size, two-seat golf car ranges from $2,700 to $3,000 depending on vehicle model.
SolarDrive, which was established by Danish engineers in 2003, joins the Club Car Solutions Network, a consortium of companies that provide complementary services that support Club Car customers. Solutions Network members include Carts of Colorado, which manufactures mobile merchandising units for Club Car hospitality vehicles; and GPS Industries, an international developer of global positioning system and Wi-Fi multimedia solutions.
Club Car, a business of Ingersoll-Rand Company Limited, a diversified industrial firm, Honors the Game in its service to customers and support of the golf industry. Club Car is the exclusive premier partner of the National Golf Course Owners Association in the U.S. and NGCOA Canada’s exclusive Golf Car Supplier and Platinum Partner. Club Car is also a sponsor of the European Golf Course Owners Association, a Silver Partner of the GCSAA and a Corporate Advantage Partner of the Club Managers Association of America. It is the Official Supplier of Golf Cars and Utility Vehicles to the 2010 Ryder Cup, the Official Golf Car and Golf Utility Vehicle and an Official Sponsor of the PGA European Tour, the official supplier of golf cars and utility vehicles to PGA Tournament Players Clubs, and leading sponsor of the PGA Professional National Championship, The First Tee and the Executive Women’s Golf Association.
About Club Car:
Club Car provides fleet, turf, hospitality and financing solutions for golf, agricultural, recreational and industrial markets. For more information on Club Car, go to www.clubcar.com. Based in Augusta, Ga., Club Car is part of the Industrial Technologies sector of Ingersoll-Rand Company Limited. Ingersoll Rand (NYSE: IR) is a global diversified firm providing products, services and solutions to enhance the quality and comfort of air in homes and buildings, transport and protect food and perishables, secure homes and commercial properties and increase industrial productivity and efficiency. Driven by a 100-year-old tradition of technological innovation, we enable our customers to create progress and a positive impact in their world. For more information, go to www.ingersollrand.com.
About SolarDrive:
SolarDrive is a Danish company that specializes in applied solar technology primarily for mobile use. Its vision is to develop highly efficient solar products for electric vehicles and off-grid solar powered products. For more information, go to www.solardrive.com.