March Air Reserve Base tests solar-powered carts

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman David K. Flaherty
  • 452 AMW/PA
MARCH AIR RESERVE BASE, CALIF. --  The carts cost around $8,000 - about $1,000 more than their plug-in counterparts - but they could create savings over time through reduced utility bills and a longer battery life.

With summer temperatures topping 90 degrees on base, March reservists are no strangers to the heat. June brought record breaking temperatures to Southern California and, according to the National Weather Service, the heat isn't easing up any time soon. While some reservists on base sweat it out, others are taking advantage of the sun's rays. 

For the past four months, March's 452nd Civil Engineering Squadron has been testing a solar-powered electric golf cart on base that is not only energy efficient but could also save the Air Force money. So far, it's been a big hit. 

"We're the first unit to try it out, and we're pleased with it so far," said Gerald Haas, a pollution prevention management specialist at the 452nd CES. "We just have to make sure that we park it in the sun. So far we've only had to charge the battery twice." 

At $8,000 apiece, the solar-powered cart is about $1,200 more than its plug-in counterpart. Once you take into account utility bill reduction and increased battery life, replacing one standard electric cart with a solar-powered cart could save the Air Force $235 annually, according to cost estimates released by Cruise Cars, Inc., the cart's manufacturer. For March Air Reserve base personnel who use electric golf carts regularly, just extending the battery life is a big plus. 

"The other gym cart kept dying right and left, and the batteries only last about a year," said Paul Pitman, the 452nd CES air program manager. "These batteries can last for three-plus years, so you're saving money that way too." 

Besides the fact that it's powered by the sun, the cart's fire-engine red finish makes it unique to the other carts on base. Haas said it's the color that initially attracts people's attention on base, and once they find out it's a solar power cart, they usually want to know more about it. 

"There's a lot of sun out here, so I can see where this would be useful," said Capt. Jonathan Bergmann, the group practice manager for the 452nd Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron. "I think going solar looks like a pretty good idea." 

So far, there's only one solar-powered cart on base. Because it's now on GSA, any unit can purchase one through base contracting. 

"If it's going to cut down on the power that's taken from the base's energy supply, I'm all for it," said Master Sgt. Cedric Perry, the 452nd Air Mobility Wing ground safety specialist. "It really shows the advantage of solar power."