2010 Solar Package in cold weather

In short, no.

But then again, your definition of "freezing cold" is quite different from mine (here in Minnesota).

Neither the use of the venting nor the condenser will result in warming. They are for cooling.
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No. One answer to all of your questions.

Tom

 

Good question... here's another:

If it is 32 degrees outside and the sun is shining bightly on the solar panel - what would the ventilation system do - blow 32 degree air into the cabin?

I love having a sunroof and I'm trying to see how the solar panels could be used for more than a couple of months a year.

 

As stated by others, the remote a/c with the solar roof won't heat the car while the remote start accessory will.

To my understanding, the difference is that the remote a/c will never turn on the ICE. If there is not enough battery charge, it will not run. The remote start will turn on the ICE as needed and therefore can heat as well as cool. Also, the remote start will run for up to ten minutes while the remote a/c runs up to three minutes.

Of course, with the remote start, you may actually be burning gasoline on those winter mornings.

I am planning on getting the remote start because of it's versatility and because I don't want to pay for nav to get the solar roof.

 

My has run below that temperature. Perhaps that number is from old documentation.
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I live near Chicago and I have concluded that solar would be a benefit less than three months of the year. It could work during summer but even then, if it's overcast (like Pac NW) I suspect it won't do much so even less than three months. IMO solar is pretty much a marketing gimmick, although it might have more utility for those living in the SW or other mostly hot, sunny regions. As I understand it, Toyota had other plans for solar when originally conceived (trickle charging the main battery?), but that did not pan out (RF interference?). As much as I want a sunroof, I'm not going to pay $3600 for it when I don't need nav or solar.

And the economic advantages of the Prius already don't work out vs a conventional small car until gas reaches about $8/gal (5-year breakeven calc vs a Honda Fit) - so an additional $3600 only makes it less cost effective. YMMV

 

Mine too, at least the outside temperature. Perhaps since the solar ECU is connected to the A/C ECU it uses the interior temperature sensor, which could be warmer than outside. I need another subscribtion to TIS.

Wayne

 

Keep in mind the car still has the two 400 W electric heaters, so there is a possibility -some- heat could be put into the car with the remote turn-on of the A/C system. I suspect we'll have to wait for winter to be sure. It would have no noticeable effect here though. I've only felt the GII heaters in late spring. In winter it's "what heaters?" I'm freezing. Warm up the engine!!!

Also, the solar roof is a "sunroof", and it can heat the interior a bit if the sun is shining, as long as the shade is open.

 

Yeah, making a nice little mobile meat-locker out of your brand new Prius!!

 

Hey it's always handy to have a spare fridge available! Maybe I could rent out freezer space to neighbors to help pay for the car!

 

Good one, MaggieMay!

 

besides the answer being no, the fact that the solar panels convert radiant sun energy to electricity means that the winter sun will do less to warm the interior actually doing just the opposite of what you had hoped for...

but then again, the solar panel does have a slider. leaving it open will allow sun to shine into an area that would normally be shaded... either way, i dont think the sunroof is a winter type thing but your post does make me think that i now understand why there is a disable button for the solar fan control...