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Solar panel

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Main Forum' started by MPGnutcase, Jul 31, 2013.

  1. MPGnutcase

    MPGnutcase Active Member

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    I wanted to start a page that shows the works of the solar roof, for those who have one you love it I know because I do...........
    Voltage is generated when the solar panel is exposed to sunlight the output wire maybe energized even after the vehicle is shut off and the 12 volt auxiliary battery is disconnected. Current will only flow if the solar ventilation blower fan circuit is turned on.

    [​IMG]
     
    #1 MPGnutcase, Jul 31, 2013
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  2. MPGnutcase

    MPGnutcase Active Member

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    [​IMG]by using the solar panel it helps to keep the inside of the car from getting so hot you can't touch anything inside the car. Also you can hit the A/C button on your FOB to start running the A/C before you get to the car
     
    #2 MPGnutcase, Jul 31, 2013
  3. MPGnutcase

    MPGnutcase Active Member

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    [​IMG]
     
    #3 MPGnutcase, Jul 31, 2013
  4. JMD

    JMD 2012 Prius 4 Solar Roof

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    It is a great feature and changed the game. I read on PC that the air exhausts from the car by blowing over the traction battery thus improving the health of the battery.
     
    #4 JMD, Jul 31, 2013
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  5. p00kienrayray

    p00kienrayray Active Member

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    Thanks. This thread was much overdue. Too many questions on how the solar vent system works.
     
    #5 p00kienrayray, Aug 1, 2013
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  6. Bill Norton

    Bill Norton Senior Member

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    Actually you wouldn't want that 'Still kind of hot' interior air blowing through the HV battery.
    Example, my car/battery is at 68° after sitting overnight, the battery is slightly warmer by the time I get to work from the commute.
    But as the car sits in the sun all day, that interior air is still much hotter than outside air as it exits the car through the cabin exhaust vents, as seen in the diagram above.
    You would not want that hot air passing through the HV battery heating it up above where it was in the morning.
    It will be warmer than in the morning but hopefully not as hot as the interior air. And some of the air may be passing through the HV battery anyway, but it's a much more restrictive path.

    I love this option !! I wish the Volt I'm replacing it with had such a feature....
     
    #6 Bill Norton, Aug 1, 2013
  7. JMD

    JMD 2012 Prius 4 Solar Roof

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    If you leave it on all time the interior temp never gets that hot
     
    #7 JMD, Aug 1, 2013
  8. MPGnutcase

    MPGnutcase Active Member

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    It is not perfect but it does help the dash plastic really gets HOT in summer so this system just keeps it from hitting super high temps
     
    #8 MPGnutcase, Aug 1, 2013
  9. JMD

    JMD 2012 Prius 4 Solar Roof

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    I read it reduces mold and odor in the AC system
     
    #9 JMD, Aug 1, 2013
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  10. Seymour5000

    Seymour5000 Junior Member

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    IMO it gives the Prius a sporty look. I vouch for the functionality in KY Summer. Great thread!
     
    #10 Seymour5000, Aug 1, 2013
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  11. mad-dog-one

    mad-dog-one Prius Enthusiast

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    I get that you like the looks of the mirrored solar panel on the roof, but looks can be deceiving. Carry extra weight on the roof of a car is not what I would call "sporty."
     
    #11 mad-dog-one, Aug 2, 2013
  12. MPGnutcase

    MPGnutcase Active Member

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    It does way more but I am getting 57-58mpg around town
     
    #12 MPGnutcase, Aug 2, 2013
  13. Seymour5000

    Seymour5000 Junior Member

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    Key words: looks sporty. ;)
     
    #13 Seymour5000, Aug 2, 2013
  14. MPGnutcase

    MPGnutcase Active Member

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    yes it does
    IMG_1193.JPG
     
    #14 MPGnutcase, Aug 2, 2013
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  15. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    Every time I get into the 2005 Prius, it's stinkin' hot (and it has the "Bisque" interior, which is beige in Toyota speak, though it does have a black dashboard). It's much cooler in the 2010 even with the "Dark Grey" interior. I rarely use the Remote A/C since the SPVS works well enough and the range on the fob is quite short. When I do use it, it's usually at work since I can activate it from upstairs and then walk down to the car.
     
    #15 Tideland Prius, Aug 3, 2013
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