What if there was a way to use the same film that covers most vehicles (Windows) which protect us from the suns rays. Use that film to charge up the battery pack. It would I guess have to be really thin and could backup the braking and gas motor which recharges the battery pack. Just think the film could be used mostly during daylight driving and then for night time driving that's where the brakes and gas motor kick in. I guess there would have to be a switch to go from film to the gas motor and brakes.
If the film wasn't enough then the brakes could be included to help recharge the battery pack. If enough power could come out of the film maybe the hybrid could travel futher without the use of the gas engine.
Most cars I've seen have all the windows covered except the front and front side windows.


P.S. I wasn't suggesting that the film would power the hybrid alone during daylight driving, it would reinforce the braking or gas motor.

Interesting idea. The problem is I don't think there are too many choices for transparant solar arrays. I think the ones that do exist are pretty expensive. Also, I don't think they put out very much current.

But that does lead me to as this question. "What is the current draw on the battery when the car is off and sitting parked?" I'm thinking I may want to add a solar cell somewhere to provide enough current to the car so all power being drawn does not drain the battery.

With all the aftermarket electronics in my car I think sitting for 2 weeks would pretty much drain the battery. It would be nice to know that my car could sit indefinatly.

Spray on solar cells (ie sprayed onto the cars surface like paint) are making some progress. You can read about the plastic type (here) and there are Ti based mineral ones being designed too.

With current (20% efficient) silicon based solar, a Prius could be given ~18 miles per day (6,500 miles per year) zero fuel consumption EV-range, though a better battery would be required.

More info on using solar energy to power vehicles here:

http://www.solarvan.co.uk/

http://mysite.wanadoo-members.co.uk/ecotech/socar1.htm

http://mysite.wanadoo-members.co.uk/ecotech/ecot.htm

Great links. Very interesting reading.

Very good reply, I was only thinking about how to improve hybrid vehicles in general.

How about an on and off switch?