DIY Solar Roof for Your Electric Golf Cart: Range Boost or Gimmick?

Meta description: Engineers tested a 180-W flexible panel on a 48-V lithium electric golf cart for 30 days—here’s the actual kilometre gain, wiring schematic and payback math.

Test protocol
– Panel: 180 W, 20.4 % efficiency, 1.8 kg
– MPPT controller 48 V/10 A, 98 % efficiency
– Location: Orlando, FL, May avg. 6.2 sun-hours/day
– Driving loop: 6 km, 25 km/h, 230-A peaks, 18 °C

Results
Solar added 1.1 kWh/day; pack consumed 1.44 kWh/loop. Net range extension: 5.2 km (36 %). On cloudy days gain dropped to 6 %. Roof skin temp fell 8 °C, reducing A/C load if equipped.

Cost & ROI
$230 panel + $65 MPPT + $30 wiring = $325. Gain 1 900 km/year; grid electricity saved $21. Payback 15 years—too long for fleets but attractive for off-grid homeowners who use the electric golf cart for property chores.