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Solar Roof for your Prius

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Accessories & Modifications' started by adamorzol, Aug 18, 2007.

  1. adamorzol

    adamorzol New Member

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    Is there someone out there that is buying this item? I am looking for some feedback from PriusChat gurus to help me better understand if this item is worth the initial investment. Any advise would be appreciated.

    A solar roof panel system is now available from www.solarelectricalvehicles.com. Apparently it appears they are close to producing their first commercial batch. They produce once they get 30 orders (with a $500 deposit). The company suggested to me today they should have the 30 orders filled within a couple of weeks. So someone out there is serious about buying this and approx. 25 Prius owners have already put down their deposits!

    The system starts at $4500, which includes the solar modules, electronics, and a 2.3 sealed lead acid battery. The 120 VAC plug-in is an additional $1000. They do not install the kits at this point in time, but recommend that you consult your local mechanic. Installation should take about one to two days they say.

    For more information about their research & development data, statistics, and module composition, please read the "white article" found on their website.

    http://www.solarelectricalvehicles.com/art...ite-paper.shtml

    Also, a streaming video clip from KTLA news can be found on youtube if you search solar powered prius...

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gJX-sGn5RDo

    THANK YOU!
     
    #1 adamorzol, Aug 18, 2007
  2. TheForce

    TheForce Stop War! Lets Rave! Make Love!

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    Thats the solar panel I would want on my Prius but I think it was Darelldd that pointed out that putting solar panels on a car would not be efficient. you would be better off placing a solar panel on your roof at home at the right angel and store that energy or put it back into the grid. Then you could charge your Prius from your stored energy or from the grid at night. Plus having even that much PV on the roof of the Prius still wont get you maybe a few miles of charge per full day of sunlight if that.

    With that said I still want them. :)
     
    #2 TheForce, Aug 18, 2007
  3. adamorzol

    adamorzol New Member

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    The company claims "The solar charging system (patent pending) was developed to enable the Toyota Prius with hybrid synergy drive (HSD) to drive for extended miles in the “EV modeâ€. The stock Prius has up to 2 miles of EV mode driving but the cars equipped with our solar charging system have up to 20 miles of EV mode driving range per day. This extended EV mode driving range translates to an increase in average fuel economy of up to 70 miles per gallon."
     
    #3 adamorzol, Aug 18, 2007
  4. TheForce

    TheForce Stop War! Lets Rave! Make Love!

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    Yes but I don't think a 3kw pack will fully charge in a day with that size PV on the roof. I'm guessing this is a plug in conversion with a PV to help add another mile or two to the pack while your at work. I think Darelld will chime in here soon. I just have a feeling. A very very smug feeling. :)
     
    #4 TheForce, Aug 18, 2007
  5. Godiva

    Godiva AmeriKan Citizen

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    For that amount of money, I'd wait for the Hymotion plug in module to arrive on the market in the first quarter of 2008. It provides a range of 20 miles for the $5,000 and 40 miles for the $10,000. And the Hymotion fits neatly in the lower cargo area where the spare is so you don't lose any cargo space. Bigger bang for the buck.

    Or put a PV system on your roof to power your entire house.
     
    #5 Godiva, Aug 18, 2007
  6. patsparks

    patsparks An Aussie perspective

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    Be careful of claims they have nearly the 30 orders required, they know it might scare you off if they tell you you are the first to enquire in the last 2 weeks.
    If they don't install they have an out when it doesn't live up to your expectations.

    Use the car in EV mode 10 times in a day for 2 miles = 20 miles of EV mode driving for the day. I can do that without this PVA on my roof and extra batteries, so there is no or little gain.
     
    #6 patsparks, Aug 18, 2007
  7. apriusfan

    apriusfan New Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(TheForce @ Aug 17 2007, 10:05 PM) [snapback]498212[/snapback]</div>
    A solar panel on your house roof is a much better use of the investment amount for all the reasons stated above. If you are in a jurisdiction that requires the utility to pay you for the electricity that you contribute to the grid, then so much the better.
     
    #7 apriusfan, Aug 19, 2007
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