Frequently Asked Questions
SunGo Solar Roof Panel Kit

How does the solar work?

The solar cells built into the panel convert sunlight to electricity just like a solar calculator only with a lot more power. For a discussion, check out an article on "How Solar Cells Work."

How much power does the solar panel produce?

The solar panel is designed to charge a 36 or 48 volt battery system.  The panel produces up to 187 watts.  This watt rating is the power output under ideal testing.  However, many other factors that play a role in the actual power output of the panel, which is often less than the rated output with the primary factor being the charge controller.  The SunGo solar roof panel uses Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) controllers which are able to vary the voltage of the panel to keep it operating closer to its rated output and to obtain 10-30% more total output.

While the instantaneous power output is measure in watts, the energy collected over time is measured in watt-hours.  This time variable is where seasonal, climatic, and geographical affects come into play.  In the summer, there are more hours of sunlight and the position of the sun hits the panel more directly.  In the winter, there are fewer hours of sunlight, and the sun is lower in the sky and doesn't illuminte the panel as directly.  In climates where the sky is very clear, less radiation is blocked and, therefore, more hits the solar panel thoughout a given day.  Geographically, the nearer to the equator you are located, the more sunlight you will receive in a given year. The more directly overhead the sun is located, the more favorable it is for a flat-mounted solar panel.

All of these affects are lumped into one variable for a given location, time of the year and mounting configuration.  This parameter is called a sun-hour and is based on years of experimental data.  The sun-hour rating for a given location and time of year gives a quick and easy method of calculating how much solar energy can be collected for a given system in one day. Merely multiply the power rating of the system (exp. 100 watts) by the sun-hours obtained from a chart, map, or computer program (exp. 5 sun-hours), and you get the total energy provided by the system (500 watt-hours or 0.5 kwh).

What is the difference betwen the SunGo and the Sunray solar roof kits?

The SunGo boasts 187 watts of solar power and the Sunray is 160 watts. Adding the SunGo's smart charge controller, the SunGo will go 30% longer without being plugged in. The roof designs are completely different. The SunGo uses the solar panel as the the roof top, and the Sunray embeds the solar panel in a roof top. Both achieve major energy savings and reduce polution into the air. The SunGo is available for more makes and models of golf carts. It is more expensive than the Sunray; the Return On Investment (ROI) for the Sunray in the first year for a business is 55% while the SunGo is 51%.  For an individual purchaser, the ROI in the first year for the Sunray is 20% and for the SunGo is 19%.

How strong is the solar roof?

The panels are rated to withstand hurricanes and hailstorms experienced by roof mounted systems.

How does the solar panel roof help keep our environment clean?

For every 1.0 kilowatts of electricity generated by solar power, nearly 2.5 pounds of carbon dioxide are NOT released into the atmosphere. (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency)

Using solar power rather than fossil fuel power on the golf cart reduces the CO2 released into the air by 452 pounds per year. 

How does the solar roof panel fit with former Vice President Al Gore's vision of energy revolution?

On July 17, 2008 former Vice President Al Gore called for "eliminating the need for fossil fuels in 10 years."  He also called on automobile companies to make plug-in electric cars.  With the solar golf cart, you are way ahead of his curve!  Using the solar roof panel, you will greatly reduce or even eliminate your need for electricity to drive a golf cart.

How does solar power affect the SunGo?

It increases the range of the vehicle between charges by more than 25 %.  

Another benefit is that the solar will extend the battery life by giving the batteries a continuous charge.  Active charging reduces sulfur content of the lead cells in batteries, the number one cause of battery failure. If a normal set of batteries lasts three years, the solar roof panel should extend the golf cart's battery life an additional two years or more.

Also, the vehicle is portable solar generator.  If the regular power goes out, you can install an optional 12 volt plug so you can plug 12 volt appliances into it such as a small TV, lights, radio and even a small refrigerator.  (Think of the possibilities during hurricanes, winter storms, earthquakes, etc.) If you plug an inverter into the 12 volt socket, you can operate regular 110 volt appliances off of the batteries!

Finally, the SunGo Solar Top has no moving parts and is designed to last 20 years, assuming it is not damaged by an accident.  The SunGo Solar Top will never lose its value and, when sold to a new owner, that owner will be able to take the tax credits if they are still available at that time.

How long would it take to charge a battery if it is fully drained?

It depends on the weather and level of sunshine.  A really good sunny day will recharge the batteries faster than one with clouds.

How far will my solar roof golf cart go before it needs to be plugged in?

If you drive eight miles or less a day on a flat terrain and keep the car outside in summer peak sun, the batteries will be recharged by solar power and will not require to be plugged in. Or, said another way, for every three-quarters hours the golf cart solar planel roof is charged in peak sun, it will drive one mile on flat terrain.

Peak sun nationally averages 5 1/2 hours per day.  In the southern US, it is 3 1/2 hours in the winter and 7 1/2 hours in the summer.

Why does the SunGo charge controller make a difference?

SunGo's Maximun Power Point Tracking (MPPT) is an electronic feature of the charge controller that allows a solar panel to operate continually at its maximum efficiency.  It does not physically move the panels; it is an intelligent electronic system that maximizes the electrical output of the photovoltaic system by varying the panel's operating voltage. SunGo's controller extracts the most power possible from the panel in nearly any condition: hot or cold temperatures, varying light levels, and partially shaded or dusty panels, and it even accounts for wiring losses. The actual power gain over a non-MPPT controller with the same panel will vary with conditions, but a 10-30% gain is typical.

How does the charge controller increase charge efficiency and prolong battery life?

Mulit-stage charging allows a fuller battery charge without reducing battery life or "boiling off" electrolyte.  The battery is held at a higher voltage for a period of time while it gets a full charge, and then is reduced to a lower voltage which provides a maintenance charge without overcharging the battery.

Temperature compensation avoids excessive electrolyte usage and thermal runaway at higher temperatures and helps compensate for increased internal resistance in the battery at lower temperatures. This results in longer battery life due to not overcharging at higher temperatures while still preserving full charges at low temperatures.

How does the tax credit work?

As of January 1, 2006, an investment tax credit for utilizing solar went into effect.  IRS form 3468 line 2b allows for a 30% tax credit for investing in solar.  The solar panel and the batteries are all part of a solar system on the vehicle. (http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f3468.pdf)  Also some states will allow additional tax credits and sales tax exemptions such as California, Arizona, and Florida.  Please check with you local state.

What is my payback for investing in solar power?

The payback for investing in a golf cart solar power roof can be as little as two years.

The return on investment (ROI) for a business is 51% in the first year.  For a state without state income tax, such as Florida, the business ROI is 43%. For a nonprofit organziation without the Federal or state tax credits or depreciations, the ROI is 26%. For an individual without the depreciations or the "better customer relations" allowances, the ROI is 19% in the first year.