Solar powered moonroof Impressions

[scooper11]

I ordered a Prius IV with a solar powered moon roof. Delivery expect 8/7 - 8/14!! Pros and Cons please.

[john1701a]

The open roof impresses everyone. Of course, even closed seeing the light come in from above is great too. Being able to check the status of the roof-rack simply by looking up is handy too. And I absolutely love opening being able to open up the car so much for cooling down after rollerblading.

Some have commented that the solar venting isn't as effective as they'd like. The outside temp rarely gets blazing hot (above 95 F) in the north. So here in Minnesota, I'd say it does the trick.
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[TKY]

Hi Scooper11, Welcome to PriusChat and good luck with your order. I have had my Prius IV with the solar roof for about three weeks; I've parked in the outside under the Colorado sun for several hours on a couple of occasions. I have not tested the effectiveness of the solar panel; I have positive impressions about the solar panel effectiveness.

Today, I was parked for two hours, at noon, outside, with no shade. The car was close enough to the outside temperature, 95 degrees, that when I got into the car I didn't notice any discomfort. The car did not feel like it was broiling and none of the interior (steering wheel, handles shifter, or buttons) with one exception. When I removed the sunshade from the windshield, it was almost too hot to handle.

In the short time I have had my Prius, I have been happy with my decision to get the Solar Roof option. --TK

[ramolnar]

It's been relatively cool this summer in Kentucky, but I have noticed the fan running and cooling on warm, sunny days. The steering wheel has never been hot to the touch. Still, it's a fan, not AC. Do you know the difference between a fan in a warm apartment and AC? It's like that.
One bonus is that the package comes with remote AC. The smart thing is to leave the fan on, then as you're walking up hit the remote AC. The extra minute will help.

As for the sunroof part, well, that's just cool. The wind is nice, as is the light.

Is it worth $3600, since you have to get Nav and remote camera? It depends. I would have preferred the solar fan/AC/sunroof separately for $1800. The big factor, I think, is how you take heat. Massachusetts is relatively cool, so there would be less value there, and I might not have gotten it if I were in Allston or Watertown.

[frobie]

Beware I dont think the sunroof kicks in if you dont lock the doors. I was at a party over the weekend and left the car unlocked so people I drove could get their stuff without needing me to unlock the car and it was boiling everytime it was opened. Any time I have locked the doors since then it has kicked on and you can feel the fan going when you get in up until you hit the power button

[john1701a]

Also, the Remote-A/C is a really "cool" feature.
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[NoMoShocks]

I am sold on mine. We just completed a record breaking heat wave here in Portland, and is has been so great to have the relatively cool interior. I always use the feature in conjunction with slightly cracking the sun roof and windows and a front windshield heat sheild.

[grahamy]

Originally Posted by scooper11

I ordered a Prius IV with a solar powered moon roof. Delivery expect 8/7 - 8/14!! Pros and Cons please.

Living in North Carolina, I find it's worth it, though if you expect the car to be cool in the summer, you'll be disappointed. The biggest pro is avoiding the extreme internal heat that that can harm electronics, film, wine, etc. Also I no longer yelp at controls too hot to touch when I get in. Another pro is the sense of spaciousness when the roof is open - even if only to the light. The cons are cost (of course) and the need to change the cabin filter more frequently. I do not believe mpg is a con, but this isn't a scientific observation. It's just the fact that averaging about 10 mpg more in my new 2010 over my old 2004, it's very hard to believe the solar roof can have any significant negative impact.

[tasogare]

Originally Posted by grahamy

The cons are cost (of course) and the need to change the cabin filter more frequently.

I thought Plasmacluster filters didn't need to be replaced as frequently. Does the solar ventilation system fan use the Plasmacluster filter anyway? If it doesn't then this isn't really an issue.

[fred garvin]

northern virginia and glad i bought the roof

the roof looks baddass opened up, especially against a lighter color (i have blizzrd pearl).

the solar thing works as advertised, for me