You won't be able to cross the country in a solar powered Prius, but this type of aftermarket hack is exactly the kind of thing so many of our readers have been asking for. Solar Electrical Vehicles says their solar panel modifications (made from mono-crystalline photovoltaic cells) for 2004-2006 Prius models will generate 215 watts of renewable energy that charges a 3kW supplemental battery pack that "provides up to 20 miles per day of electric mode driving range and increased fuel economy." SEV says their system qualifies for up to $2,000 worth of Federal renewable energy tax credits which will then make the whole system pay for itself in two or three years. A solar roof for your Prius will cost between $2,000 and $4,000.
Comments: Would love to get a panel for my FEH (esp. with a tax credit covering part of the cost). Just worried about possible damage(to the panel) and if it would void the hybrid warranty.
Also, wondering how much extra mileage I would get based on my driving habits (about 50/50 city/highway).
It was just a matter of time before someone came with this idea....
I hope that they make it availiable for other Hybrids too, but it was a wise choice to select the Prius, because of it huge popularity.
The U.S. has reached a point “where the priorities of Congress could become so distorted by politics” that it would turn its back on the next great global industry, clean power — Rhone Resch
Hybrid Solar Panels
Re: Hybrid Solar Panels
