Solar Powered Roof?

Hmmm. Let’s see if I’m getting this:

You've based your opinion on two key points: the lack of anecdotal evidence from users on PriusChat and most significantly “the fact that there's no (EPA mileage) rating difference from Toyota..”.

Starting with your ‘more substantial’ argument: the information I supplied previously describes why carmakers are not legally required, or commercially compelled, to test their heaviest model variants. No comment necessary for the deductive reasoning here.

On one hand, you hold up the authority of the EPA, but on the other you dismiss information from the EPA addressing the relationship between vehicle weight and fuel economy. Pesky facts often obstruct the path of unsubstantiated opinions.

Sometimes I’m a little slow, but I think I’m getting it. Thanks for the point of clarity; I’m good now.

 

Not quite. We have anecdotal evidence on PriusChat that sun roof has not negative effect on mileage. In addition to that, we have no documented facts from Toyota or any trusted third party with any reliable information that sun roof has any measurable negative impact on mileage.

 

You didn't answer my other question. You would be a great politician. (that isn't a compliment)

What is appreciable to you regarding weight?

 

Please give me the source of that anecdotal evidence.

 

PriusChat.com

 

haha k...can you see how that is far less specific evidence than I have gave you?

 

You provided no evidence of Prius sunroof affecting mileage, specific or otherwise.

Alternatively we do have some hypermilers on PriusChat.com driving PriusIII/3's with sun roof reporting...hyper miles. Alternatively we have no documentation from Toyota or a reliable third party tester showing any mpg decline due to sun roof.

 

deleted

 

Here are a couple of sources for ya:

How does weight affect a vehicle's efficiency?

Also on a GM Cruze forum this was being discussed and one of them got a hold of an actual GM engineer...this was his post:


...here's an equation that approximates the WT vs. MPG trade-off:

(MPG2/MPG1) = (WT1/WT2)^0.72
...where:

MPG1= prior fuel economy, mpg
MPG2= new fuel economy, mpg
WT1 = prior weight, lbs
WT2 = new weight, lbs


• addendum: equation is valid for vehicles in the 3,000± weight class (per GM engineer).

 

But nothing about Prius sun roof have any measurable effect on mileage. On the other we do know some of the PriusChat.com hypermilers have sun roof equipped vehicle so, to the original question of pros-cons of Prius solar sun roof, the answer is it has no known negative effect on Prius mileage...enjoy.

 

For what it's worth- I was looking at the vehicle weight ratings on the driver door plate. On my 2012 three with solar roof option: Maximum passenger/load limit is listed at 825 lbs. and the GVWR is 3980 lbs. Then there is a little yellow sticker added stating that this vehicle has been modified and the load limit is reduced by 12 lbs. (I assume that is due to the solar roof option; although it doesn't say why.)

I thought that was interesting, but as I have stated before, the solar roof has minimal effect on the MPG. I'm averaging better MPG than my old Gen II.

Update @ 1515hrs-
I looked at a 2012 Pri Three with no solar option. It has the same weight ratings as above, except the little yellow sticker says the mods reduced the load limit by 10 lbs. So the mods apparently don't include the solar option, maybe the extra electronics or something. The sticker thing doesn't make sense; if Toyota reduces the weight limit for lighter mods, but not the heavier solar roof option.

 

Interesting Toyota only lists the weight differential at 12 lbs vs. the 60 lbs mentioned by others. Such a small number would make it even harder to find any measurable effect.

 

The label notifies you that the load carrying capacity weight of your car is reduced in accordance with Toyota’s responsibility under Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards to help address the problem of vehicle overloading. Vehicle manufacturers are required to post a Tire and Loading Information sticker on the "B" Pillar that states load carrying capacity. The supplementary label you found notifies that revisions were made to vehicle capacity weight values.

The weight reduction accounts for weight added by Toyota Motor Sales prior to first sale in the form of floor and cargo mats and other port-installed accessories. If you examine a car with no port accessories added by TMS, there won't be a supplementary label.

The gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) is calculated by the vehicle manufacturer to take into consideration the maximum weight of the vehicle including accessories, cargo, fluids and passenger loads. The GVWR for a Prius is the same regardless of trim level. GVWR speaks to the capacity of wheels, tires, brakes and suspension.

The regulations are supposed to inform but it seems they mostly cause confusion.

 

Thanks for the clarification; you're right it is confusing.

 

I have the sunroof package... that was a must for me for any car I purchased and this being my first car I purchased new, she and I are hopefully going to be together for quite some time. I just know it works for me - it kicks on if the interior gets warm - had to explain that to a friend when the car was parked and all of a sudden there was noise - and was definitely welcomed after a 4 mile run on a warm day when what I called "the hot flash sensor" kicked on when I got in the car. My mileage has been good so no regrets and I can enjoy sunshine.

Can't explain it like the experts but I love the car.

 

I wouldn't argue with you. For me the worst part of my 2006 Prius II was the lack of a sunroof option which is the reason that I limited my search parameters with Prius III's to sunroof equipped cars. For me, the incremental reduction in fuel economy is a worthwhile trade-off for the luxury of a hole in the roof. A sunroof is my small compensation for driving a fun-sucking transportation appliance.

 

I thought my roof was 58 pounds. It is also flat compared to the shaped steel roof. Add in my Plus Performance package and I am thinking she is a bit heavy

mpg's are a bit lower than a regular Prii but that is fine

Mike

Mobile on my SGH-i717

 

Tomorrow I will become a serious customer. My 2007 Prius has been the best car I’ve ever owned, but I think now is the time to consider a new vehicle. The 2012/2013 Prius 4 with the solar roof package is my first consideration, but it is a bit out of my comfort zone on price. Does anyone have this model, or has anyone made another decision after giving the model consideration?

Does anyone have experience with the Prius sunroof? I once had a convertible, and after the first year, I rarely used it. Can anyone tell me how often the use they roof and how much enjoyment they get from it one the novelty of having it has gone away? I assume I will only use the sunroof during the four months when air conditioning is not necessary. Getting into a hot car has never particularly bothered me. How much does the solar fan works to cool down the car. Any input?

My prime consideration is the head up display, the backup camera and the enhanced navigation system. My understanding is the backup camera is not available on the three. Given the visibility on the Prius, I think the camera is a must. Like electric windows, once you have them, it is difficult to give them up.

Tun sunroof package seems great, but is it worth $4,000?