Next-gen Prius to get solar panel to drive accessories
by Sam Abuelsamid on Jul 7th 2008 at 9:31AM 
Although some aftermarket operations have tried installing rooftop solar panels on the Toyota Prius, none of the pioneering hybrids have ever come so equipped from the factory. This will reportedly change next year when the third-generation model hits the streets. Top trim levels of the new Prius and likely the Lexus-badged version will be equipped with photovoltaic cells on the roof. The solar cells won't generate enough power to do any significant charging of the battery pack but will be able to power accessory drives like the air conditioning. That should reduce the parasitic loads on the power-train, helping to improve the mileage slightly. The solar panels could also be used to keep the ventilation system running on hot days while the car is parked. That would reduce interior temperatures, cutting the load on the air conditioning when the driver gets in. The new Prius and the Lexus hybrid will debut in January 2009 at the Detroit Auto Show. Thanks to Mike, Max and Kevin for the tips!
[Sources: CNet, the Gaurdian]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Danielle Andre 9:58AM (7/07/2008)
This looks very sleek. I like it!
Reply
Turbofrog 10:03AM (7/07/2008)
I hate this idea. Such a gimmick.
If you want solar cells to do any good at all for an electric car, sell them as an accessory panel that can be installed permanently, properly, and at the optimum tilt angle for the latitude. You'll get twice as much power, and you'll get it all the time (what about if you want to park your Prius in a garage? In an underground parking lot?).
This "green image" nonsense is such painful BS.
Reply
tankd0g 12:26PM (7/07/2008)
I assume you mean panels to be installed on the roof of your house and not on the car,otherwise your comment makes no sense. There's nothing stopping you from doing that on your own and hooking it to the car's battery. The ROI is measured in decades however. Every car should have a solar panel in the roof these days if for nothing else than keeping the starter battery charged and running the fan. You've been able to buy these at auto parts stores for years, but they require you to set them up on the dash when you leave the car.
bluegreen 10:20AM (7/07/2008)
What's wrong with panels running the cabin fan on hot days? Why is that green washing? It's just common sense, heck, it should be standard on all cars.
Reply
GoodCheer 10:38AM (7/07/2008)
While TurboFrog is right that this is not an efficient use of solar panels, I also agree with bluegreen.
After all, if you are parked in the sun, keeping those vent fans on is 10x more important than if you are parked in the shade. If they can do it without adding too much to the price I say go for it. Every little bit helps drive up volumes, and drive down costs, for PV.
Reply
Tim 10:49AM (7/07/2008)
C\Net News:
Solar car vents keep you cool
June 5, 2006 11:00 AM PDT
http://news.cnet.com/8301-10784_3-6079960-7.html
Reply
brn 11:57AM (7/07/2008)
Didn't Ford/Mazda do this in the 90's? I wonder why it didn't take off then.
Reply
Jeff 4:19PM (7/08/2008)
Mazda had it in the 929...
Jeff 4:33PM (7/08/2008)
Mazda did offer this on the 929.
Randy Harris 12:31PM (7/07/2008)
If you live in a moderate climate I can see where you may think this is a silly idea, but as a Phoenix AZ resident, I can tell you that this would be much appreciated around here.
Would I prefer a rooftop solar setup that re-charged batteries for driving the car? Absolutely! But this is still a worthwhile setup for people in hot climates.
Randy
Reply
Paul 12:57PM (7/07/2008)
Going to work...working 8-10 hours...the Prius parked in the sun..dont tell me the sun will not give me during that sunny day energy only for the ventilation? No, it will i´m sure give med enough energy in the batterys to also take me home if im living in the same city as im working.
Reply
Joseph 11:52PM (7/07/2008)
This is SOOO stupid. This would completely turn the Prius into just a gadget or fashion accessory. Solar panels mounted on cars have almost no benefit. It might save half an mpg or something like that, which means it is not cost effective at all.
Reply
Chris 11:38AM (7/08/2008)
The Prius IS a gadget. That doesn't make this a bad idea. A/C sucks a ton of power out of an engine, especially a dinky one (i.e., a Prius'), and frankly I hate getting into a sweltering car. Bring on the solar, if for no other reason than that!
Besides, this is a good way to generate a demand for PV, and if that technology is improved upon at the same rate as, say, the internal combustion engine was, we'll all be better off soon.
...Now, if only they manufactured Priuses (sp?!) in an eco-friendly way, it would actually be getting us somewhere. Still, its a first step.
philmcneal 1:22PM (7/07/2008)
great idea! better than roasting the batteries in the sun, batteries hate heat! but as i recall its an OPTIONAL feature so don't get your pants down if you don't support the idea.
Reply
Turbofrog 2:05PM (7/07/2008)
I suppose I'm just taking issue with it because it's an inefficient allocation of materials. The fact of the matter is, mounting them on a car is a compromise - integration is more expensive, in-use performance is degraded (as opposed to a roof-mounted tracking array, or even just a simple flat array tilted to compensate for your latitude), and you end up with additional weight and complexity.
If Toyota offered an investment stake in a co-op solar plant, it would be an infinitely better proposition for the planet and the owners alike, but because it's not tangible and visible, I doubt it would be a popular option. It wouldn't let me stroke their egos and flaunt to society at large nearly as much.
I'm not one of the people who bash Prius-owners for smugness, because I think it's a quality, efficient, and practical vehicle with numerous virtues as a car. But it just seems like the realistic value you get out of mounting solar panels on a car is far outweighed by the image benefits that it would confer.
Very smart marketing by Toyota, but take the long view and realize that that's what's driving the decision, not pragmatic environmentalism.
Reply
Didl 2:15PM (7/07/2008)
Dogs everywhere are rejoicing.
Reply
Joe 7:09PM (7/07/2008)
Audi has had that exact feature for more than a decade now. Granted it is not the entire roof they have been using but they used the sunroof, anyway. Effect is great: a nice and cool car by the time you get in. Makes driving so much safer through being more focused. I agree it should be standard on all cars. Let common sense rule!
Reply
Iano@quirkster.com 10:54AM (7/08/2008)
Rooftop solar panels running a ventilator to maintain ambient temperature while parked has been a feature of California's Aptera since the first prototype.
Reply
Ronal IQ 4:01AM (7/08/2008)
Joseph if you leave in the snow, and there is no sun ever, Then it doesnt make sense. HOWEVER, my car is parked in the sun for 8 to 10 hours a day. Every day. And when I get to my car, its freggin' hot.
So for people that leave in california, Arizona, new mexico, nevada. Texas, Florida. Makes sense.
I sooo owant solar panels in my car. Good choice toyota.
Reply
Efried 12:49PM (7/08/2008)
Nice gag - I have my own gag at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6h_XPz-GKS4 The solar cruiser! may be with lighter vehicles the panels may really contribute in a few years with higher efficiencies of the cells.
no gags at: greentfleet.info - recodrive.eu
Reply