Aug. 16, 2010 issue
Bethel worker adapts cart to operate on solar power
By Bethel College staffNORTH NEWTON, Kan. — Roger Reimer has found a use for the abundance of sunshine in Kansas this summer.
Roger Reimer, Bethel College maintenance worker, rides in the golf cart he adapted to run on solar power. — Photo by Krista Graber/Bethel College
Reimer, from Bethel College’s maintenance department, uses it to drive his solar-powered golf cart around campus.
It all started out as a little experiment with his cart.
“I am interested in alternative energy,” he said.
He hopes driving the solar cart will create interest in alternative energy on campus.
Reimer attached solar panels to the roof of his cart, which is powered by rechargeable electric batteries. He connected the panels to the batteries through a 36-volt charge controller.
“Currently, the charger supplies enough electricity for my normal usage of the cart,” he said. “If I drive more than usual or if it is cloudy for prolonged periods, I need to supplement by plugging [the cart] in at night. During the winter months, I expect to need to be plugged in more often.”
Maintenance staff are exploring the addition of solar hot water heaters to Voth and Haury Halls. “These would be sized to enable us to turn off the large natural gas water heaters during the summer months when only the resident directors are living in the buildings,” Reimer said.
Reimer is also advocating for the installation of a wind turbine to offset some of the college’s electric costs and to provide educational opportunities.
With Bethel in the middle of a campaign to renovate Old Science Hall into the Academic Center, Reimer sees this as a perfect time to look into using wind energy.
“A wind turbine could produce enough electricity to offset the additional usage of the new Academic Center,” he said.
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