DIY Solar Powered Golf Cart for $3,600 (Mars rover on a budget)

[@WillProwse]

Does off-grid solar confuse you? Check out my DIY friendly website for solar system packages and product recommendations, and so much more! www.mobile-solarpower.com Join our DIY solar community! #1 largest solar forum on the internet for beginners and professionals alike: www.diysolarforum.com Check out my best-selling, beginner-friendly 12V off-grid solar book (affiliate link): amzn.to/2Aj4dX4 If DIY is not for you, but you love solar and need an offgrid system, check out Tesla Solar. Low prices and great warranty, and they can take your entire house offgrid with their new Powerwalls: ts.la/william57509 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ My solar equipment recommendations (Constantly updated! Check here first): 12V/48V Lithium Batteries: www.mobile-solarpower.com/solar-batteries.html Solar System Component Directory: www.mobile-solarpower.com/solarcomponents.html Plug-N-Play Systems: www.mobile-solarpower.com/full-size-systems.html Complete 48V System Kits: www.mobile-solarpower.com/complete-48v-solar-kits.html DIY Friendly Air Conditioner/ Heat Pumps: www.mobile-solarpower.com/solar-friendly-air-conditioners.html Complete 48V System Blueprint: www.mobile-solarpower.com/48v-complete-system-blueprint.html ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ My Favorite Online Stores for DIY Solar and Coupon Codes: -Current Connected: SOK, Victron and High Quality Components. Best prices and warranty around: currentconnected.com/?ref=wp -Signature Solar: Cheap Server Rack Batteries and Large Solar Panels: www.signaturesolar.com/?ref=h-cvbzfahsek -Ecoflow Delta Official Site: My favorite plug-n-play solar generator: us.ecoflow.com/?aff=7 -AmpereTime: Cheapest 12V batteries around: amperetime.com/products/ampere-time-12v-100ah-lithium-lifepo4-battery?ref=h-cvbzfahsek -Rich Solar: Mega site and cheaper prices than renogy! Check them out: richsolar.com/?ref=h-cvbzfahsek -Shop Solar Kits: Huge site with every solar kit you can imagine! Check it out: shopsolarkits.com/?ref=will-p -Battery Hookup: Cheap cell deals bit.ly/2mIxSqt 10% off code: diysolar -Watts 24/7: Best deals on all-in-one solar power systems, with customer support and distribution here in the USA: watts247.com/?wpam_id=3 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Contact Information: I am NOT available for personal solar system consult! If you wish to contact me, this is my direct email: [e-mail] Join the forum at diysolarforum.com/ if you wish to hang out with myself and others and talk about solar FTC Disclosure Statement and Disclaimers: Every video includes some form of paid promotion or sponsorship. Some links on this youtube channel may be affiliate links. We may get paid if you buy something or take an action after clicking one of these. My videos are for educational purposes only. Information is subject to change/update at any time. Electricity is DANGEROUS and can kill. Be smart and use common sense :) DIY Solar Power with Will Prowse is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, An affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com

[@HOBOTECH]

Triple the voltage, install a high amp controller, and let's see you do some burnouts!

[@WillProwse]

Hell yeah!!

[@neliosamch3195]

The makeskyblue is capable of controlling 60 amps and 150 volts. With 3 400 w panels is plenty for burnouts.

[@ericdelevinquiere9902]

Pretty sure you will need a new motor if you start pushing this thing.

[@stephsoltesz6731]

So I guess that means Part-3 Video will be tearing down the Golf Cart and turning it into a Mini-E-Dragster ? WoooHooo !

[@scottmurphy4946]

What about a Flux capacitor?

[@gvmiketodd]

The joy you display is contagious. Thanks.

[@mochammadiqbalruhiat4239]

I couldn’t agree more!

[@dennisstgermain4187]

Will ...........you inspired me months ago ..so I installed a 100 watt panel and a boost controller on my "golf cart" months ago !! FYI...........YES , it works !!! BTW< cause of Will and his instructive videos I added an INVERTER which I plug into my HOUSE panel and run my lights , fridge, etc when the grid goes down....... all from my GOLF CART !!!!

[@taylormkct]

I got it for free and I dont want to waste my money, that's hilarious!

[@JedRom]

That's what I thought also, lol. "What money"

[@MaxMax-dq1lu]

OMG Will... that's so sweet..! & ur clearly having so much fun... I look forward 2 further updates & more info (& specs etc.)

[@guybrock837]

This young man is so much fun,...I enjoy watching him and listening to him. " THIS IS NOT COOL,..."..." THIS IS COOL,..." I love his energy.

[@happybluedog]

Your joy just makes my day, cannot wait until part 2!

[@stephenmabry2866]

Brilliant application of EE knowledge. Need more of these. For the cart specifically, I like having the solar panels on the cart but not on plywood roof. Challenge: figure a way for solar panels to be functional on the original roof, yet removable to allow optimizing the angle to sun. Maybe it's as simple as propping one side of the roof up [when parked] - would require lock in place while moving ( anti-rattling, too ).

[@KeithCarmichaelInFL]

I love how happy you are when things work!

[@kele1264]

"I got it for free and I don't want to waste my money." 😂🤣😂🤣 Love how smoothly you slipped that in there.

[@ronaldchatman9144]

Hey Will, I'm new to your channel. My wife and I bought a house off grid in ghana, West Africa. Unfortunately, we unknowingly bought a home in need of a system upgrade and battery bank upgrade. I bought your book off Amazon in hopes that I can tackle this job myself. At one point your were asking people ideas for new topics: I have an idea...you should visit people and help them with there solar issues. Make them pay for your travel and accommodations. Thanks for your time. Take care

[@zarbonida]

I have the same solar golf cart, but instead of you, i use an mppt boost solar charger (30$ on Aliexpress) and an only 285W 24V 60cells solar panel (got for free by a friend). It's work great!

[@SuperVstech]

I have been scouring craigslist for one of these... around here, SOOOO many courses I guess... everybody wants 5K for junk ones... and you scored that CHARIOT! Nice!

[@fisherus]

Will, you are such a hoot to watch when you're excited. Never seen you enjoy something so much. Stay happy!

[@njanderson4342]

I get hysterical when you giggle.

[@AdamMoren]

Yeah, try it at 1.5x or more playback speed. It's pretty awesome.

[@ReversePeople]

I freaking LOVE your enthusiasm!! Such a great channel. Thanks for sharing, Will.

[@claire4486]

Love how you sound more excited driving that than you did your Tesla :)

[@shockerdon3207]

Will you can use the golf cart to power your shed or any thing else, just hook a 48 volt inverter to the batteries. Golf carts are literally rolling battery banks. You can also use a boost charge controller for one large 12 volt panel. I did that total conversion a couple of months ago.

[@careyjohnson1784]

So proud of you you make me jealous you got a new toy to play with and it relates to solar great job

[@domainnameguy]

The same principle would work on the old electric milk floats of the 70s etc and they have a larger roof for solar panel capacity etc

[@mac11380]

BTW, most of those keys will fit most carts, put a kill switch.

[@billyeaton9200]

Will i was just thinking about that way back in September of 2019. Congratulations dude you just made my idea come to life in front of my eyes.

[@indycharlie]

Another cool one Will . Good to see you again .

[@alisinwanderland]

I love seeing you get so excited. Your passion and energy is contagious!

[@todd2456]

Forget the Frankenstein shed - you now own a Frankenstein golf cart too!! :)

[@Clm1403]

Fun little series. Keep ‘em comin’!

[@chriswiggins3896]

I love how excited and happy you always are in your videos!

[@peacedove9513]

You never fail to Amaze me!!!

[@JedRom]

Lol will...."whoo hooo" cracked me up dude

[@Blakehx]

Sweet build! I've got a dead golf cart I should try this on (if I can scrounge up enough money)! For part 2 you should upgrade the drive pulley for more speed! (Larger but lighter wheels and tires would help too)

[@bobholland9924]

That was pretty awesome you might want to lower your panels a little bit you were just barely clearing the garage door.

[@ChrisDIYerOklahoma]

Love it! You know what you could do? Slap a solid 48v SunPower solar panel up top and not mess with plywood. Add a couple 24v Battle Born batteries, 48v solar charger, and get a new motor controller (for speed). The solar panel won't have enough power to run the motor, but should keep the e-Kart running longer. Kinda jealous...I would love to make one myself!

[@islandprepper3791]

thanks I would appreciate your advice, I live in Puerto Rico and I can not find a lot of the products hear so I have to think outside the box.

[@danielevigh6498]

You know that you can probably get that controller reprogrammed for more speed and faster acceleration. Do it all the time here in Sweden. Makes a world of difference. Use mine to pull large rocks from the yard.

[@wrenchdoozer]

Excellent work. I'm looking forward to the eventual "Part 3: Mars Landing"

[@bradgiffen7028]

I love this video.... Do different ideas like this ....I would love to see you do a video on more cool stuff like this. Pimp that ride!

[@samanthapowell5882]

They have motor and controller upgrades that do a DC to AC motor and let you control it on the fly!

[@schunkelndedschunke6914]

If you install 3 more panels you can flip into a perfekt position during loading that will be amazing. Before you start flip it back onto the roof panel.

[@countreekidd]

don't need one, but now I want one!

[@johnhill3507]

This was a fun video can not wait for part 2 and 3 thanks for the joy

[@sthomas7211]

With a controller upgrade you can adjust parameters to get more out of battery and motor. And also limit power if needed. I used an Altrax 400 controller and get 20+ mph .my battery is only rated for 150A continuous and 350A for < 10sec. It does great for street driving but would need more amps for continuous offroad use. I have a 100ah lithium battery.

[@WillProwse]

Holy cow. That's really good to know. I need to do that

[@bradkyliechandler9284]

Your videos are fantastic, I have bee into batteries for over 30 years but learnt so much about Lithium in the last 2 hours from you. 👍👍

[@wmartens3806]

What is the difference between the Ohmmu and the Battle Born lithium batteries? Could you do video for this comparison? Thanks!

[@declanoconnor530]

Hi Will, love the channel. Trying to put together a system for my golf cart at a camp ground. Would love to be able to fully solar charge my 48V golf cart with 200Ah of battery, as well keep my house battery charged. A bonus would be to survive the few hours of power outage with A/C running in the camper (15K unit). Would be cool to do a series on how to accomplish this, I know many at my campground would love to be able to do it. The campground overcharges tremendously for electric. We have lots of sun all summer long up in the north east.

[@picklepc]

Somehow I always end up crossing your channel. I've been looking at a golf cart conversion recently. My family has a large ranch, and it would be really helpful having a mobile power station for tools like saws, welders, air compressors, water pumps, or yard equipment that we could also drive around the property. Extra bonus if we could use it for home backup power. Please add in a sweet (affordable) 48v inverter setup to the cart and let us know how it works out.

[@tomr5121]

I like your enthusiasm Will!

[@dodgeguyz]

Alright! a 48V golf cart build!!!!! love it.

[@ramona14220]

Sweet. I have wanted to build a 12 volt power emergency solar golf cart. I already have a small system at my house but my 85 y/o mom needs a system and she has a golf cart .We get plenty of sun here in Fl. She can't run a generator but she can find that accelerator pedal.

[@sjs72steve5]

Next you need to update the controller to get more speed! It’s funny, I don’t think I’ve ever seen someone so giddy about driving a golf cart. LOL

[@philigan2339]

If you ever decide to sell it let me know. It's exactly what I need to get around on my 10 acres.

[@Weangered]

And we can steer! My dude Will, always keeping it real.

[@stephenmabry2866]

Ali G would be so proud.

[@campinwill9977]

You're so fun to watch. Thanks for the info and DIY ideas.

[@desertfox2000]

Remember the Urkel mobile? Now we have Prowsey Solar mobile.

[@Challway]

Hi there! Glad to see this. I always wanted a solar powered golf cart

[@Paratrooper23]

Coincidentally enough I myself made a purchase of a golf cart with solar panels. They are (3) 85 W and it is a 36V unit. (1988 Melex). It runs on 6-6V batteries and since I will stay on my property my friend (BSEE) said that even though I have the charger the solar panels should keep it charged. These things are sooo cool. Oh, and I only gave $100 for it . BUT I have to buy batteries BUT I have 6 cores.

[@brendanwood1540]

Sitting in the van watching this video on my own solar build thanks to yours truly. I wish I could convert the entire van to electric. Love the plywood. lol Also, FYI people should know about Nvidia Gforce Now; I'm not sponsored, and they are not marketing the technology well. It is really awesome though to play games at max graphics on a low power laptop or solar power rig.

[@jamievanheerden5704]

Converted a couple of carts to Nimh Toyota Hybrid batteries with 60v 350wnCgis panel. Can do 36 holes on a sunny summer day.

[@jamievanheerden5704]

350 w 60v panel.

[@gerardinecrowley5817]

So good. Looking forward to part 2

[@drmachinewerke1]

Will if you want to convert something. I have a Isetta

[@euphioquestion420]

@1:30 lol, o man. You're gonna be a good dad Will

[@lightdepsolutionssolutions4099]

I’ve always wanted to do this! Awesome will!

[@PopStarKilla]

DUDE, THIS IS SO COOL.

[@Spencerbuildsit]

Been a fan of all your Prismatic assembly videos! Researching to build a 16s4p pack. Motor will take 380 amp continuous, which seems to be an issue for the BMS's. 500A controller. Now looking for the follow up to this video. Want some fun? Stop pussing around and upgrade the motor, contactor and wires. Then buckle up! Whoe!

[@yeti.communications]

Hey Will I love how you go on the night ride and then all the sudden when you come back it's daylight and you're putting it in the garage, so were you out riding around all night on your golf cart? Or should I say moon buggy?

[@mrcooleh]

Cool project. Im subscribed waiting for part 2.

[@JohnSluderPhoto]

I love your enthusiasm

[@MikeGentry]

Thanks for doing this, I'm wanting to do the same thing assuming hurricane Laura doesn't destroy everything at the beach. My question... does the battery pack you got actually have wheels on the box? I'm not sure why if so....?

[@trumpssoninlaw9341]

I like that idea can I get some help to add solar panels and charge controller or what else do I need for my 2021 club car lithium

[@ovojoe662]

Super excited for this series

[@budmartin3344]

Great project,. Can you also please give us details plan of what you did and what you installed? I also curious about how you are able to use the old golf cart charger with your new batteries.

[@captpeady2176]

I'm converting to Lithium. Is it OK to use a regular battery charger or do you have to use a special charger for lithium batteries?

[@daniele_go]

How many Volts is your Lithium battery? If it is 'nominal' 48v (as an example) then you must use a charger with Max voltage = 54,6v

[@Roadsteading]

a series of videos documenting getting diy ev conversions 'street legal' would be huge when i worked with my first few golf carts it wasn't hard to get a VIN in georgia, just needed turn signals and a windshield wiper, seatbelts. basic stuff been waiting for ya to start doing this stuff, i know my battery projects went from kinda boring to awesome the moment i started slapping huge banks in transportation devices. suddenly you can lay down a buuunch of power anywhere, easily. multikilowatt lights, sound systems, water heaters and pumps; all drivable with a big enough inverter onboard. lol, also i installed EV charge station interfaces on my vehicles, it's a hellacool accessory for a battery on wheels

[@Roadsteading]

also, drop dat motor and get a bldc up in dat biz and reap a gigantic range upgrade

[@realsolarcars]

Genasun make boost charge controllers for golf carts. We (RSC) make boost charge controllers for EVs. (Someday... :-) Would be cool to find out the Wh/mile of the golf cart.

[@danareed38]

fun project! I can't wait for the next episode

Looks like big quiet FUN!!! Sweet!

[@briandavis9975]

The brake pedal needs to be engaged in the lock position for it to activate its power to the main mother board but some have it some don't its like a neutral Safety switch on most cars it's just a safety feature.

[@mueckenhoeffer]

I was supposed to wait until the end of the video to "like" it, but too late. This is one of your more exciting builds as hunting season is right around the corner, and hunters are going electric in large numbers. No noise, no fumes, etc. Sneak right up on Bambi, or get to your hunting stand without alerting the whole forest!.

[@RENTFREEVANPLAN]

Awesome!! I'm stoked for this series

[@bradboerman4088]

You are the best and I love your energy!

[@GLROBOTICS]

Nice score with the golf cart! I did a similar conversion on a go-kart and I use it every week to go to the grocery store. Worried about street laws though hahaha! My question to you is what is the solar controller you're using for those LiFe batteries?

[@ABC-wz2db]

I’ve been wanting to do this to one of those Ryobi electric mowers. Drop in some Battleborn batteries and call it a day...of mowing. Ha

[@enriqueponce7001]

hello great content!!!watched several vids good info...was wondering if you can or already made a safety vid showing the possible hazards/points where a fire can happen and also what can be done to minimize a fire from happening(if it even happens)watching your vids will help me install a solar system that will run a fridge 24/7 in my little rv real soon...keep up the good work!

[@daviddavis7855]

Enrique Ponce LiFePo is not fire prone as are other Lithium chemistries. P.S. After watching a later video, these batteries may not be LiFePo. If not, a hazard review would be good to see.

[@bluetrepidation]

Also check out the Sur Ron electric dirt bike. Got mine and I loooooooove it. So much fun.

[@frenchonionsoup8789]

I love how he is so excited "We have keys, and lights, and forwards, and reverse"" meanwhile there is a tesla right there with all that and can drive itself

[@4philipp]

That was a rejuvenating video. Good vibes. Guess you won’t need the Tesla anymore

[@bryantford3054]

I've wanted to do something like this for years, except mine would have an inverter to run tools around my acreage. Don't know if it's even possible, since I'm not an electrical genius like you.

[@bleeder228]

I want to set up solar to charge my electric unicycle without and inverter. It's 84v. I guess I need a solar charge controller that puts out that much voltage, but have yet to find one. This project is as close as I've seen, at 48v. Obviously, inverting, then charging is giving me a lot of loss. Losses on a direct solar charge controller should be a lot less.

[@neliosamch3195]

You need a US$28.99 1500W 30A DC-DC Boost Converter Step Up Power Supply Module Constant Current to charge it.

[@KevinBarrier]

Great build looks like fun!

[@michaelteresko7833]

Nice project. Great idea. Good job as always. An amazing young man.

[@mikehedrick6544]

Great project Will !!! Maybe you want to trick it out with LEDs for theme parade lighting. Fourth of July, Halloween, Christmas, New Years, UFO - that would be so cool !!! Great Cruiser...

[@mainemoemmanuel2031]

Awesome guy, I like such innovations, keep on

[@Ardyen317]

You need a set of led party string lights to dress up the perimeter of your roof.

[@gregb1714]

You could have used an MPT-7210A boost solar charge controller to use 1 solar panel (or 2) to charge the 48V battery bank.

[@Doan84]

Give it some cool paint job. Maybe a light grey, with some dark grey or white elements to go with the mars rover theme.

[@islandprepper3791]

Hi, just want to say my kids and i love your channel, I have been able to do a lot and my 10 year old re-wired my whole house and passed all inspections, just receptacles and switches. Now I am installing my solar panels myself, 6, 370watt panels with 2 each in series for 740 watts to a 1000 watt grid tie inverter I have 3 inverters and they will each have the same, my question is can I connect the each series of 740 watts to a HD standard A/C lite switch first and use it as a beaker.. so panel to switch to inverter?

[@spicethewolf8694]

no a/c switches are not rated for the dc arcing that solar produces. You'd be safer to just use a IMO brand disconnect switch (look on the practical preppers website if you cant find em on ebay) or to use a normal dc rated breaker from midnite. rule of thumb when working with high voltage dc is dont skimp. it might work at first but after a while itll start melting things and your investment will go up in smoke. this can often be seen by people who try to use heavy duty A/C blade disconnects but when they put them on solar, even lower amps than its rated for by far, they begin to melt and fuse over time and almost always fail as they just arent built for DC arcing

[@robertmeyer4744]

I got 48V EZ go. has GC8 X6 batteries . On board TRI state charger . looks same buck converter I got. think 20 to 60V in 12V out .That contactor for drive motor has 12V coil . and needs 12V to turn on cart. I chained my lights to LED. They make great battery gauge for carts. my eBay one has color code bar graph with red led voltage meter fit in round hold old meter was in. really cool. get some friends to build solar cart also and race them !! not for speed but the longest distance on day of solar ! will be fun.

[@Ian_Christensen]

Looking 4ward to episode 2

[@eldon903]

What MPPT charge controller is that? Are you planning to make a video about it?

[@jamaus555]

I hope he does because I've got one and my batteries arrive next week. Its from a company called MakeSkyBlue, you can set all the voltages for charging and floating to suit lithium batteries of all types. The instructions say that the output load is only 5 amps maximum which is a bit low, but then it was relatively inexpensive.

[@jeannelent314]

You just make me smile.