1. Attachments are working again! Check out this thread for more details and to report any other bugs.

solar panel + prolong charger?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Accessories & Modifications' started by k1ngn0thing, Mar 13, 2018.

Tags:
  1. k1ngn0thing

    k1ngn0thing Member

    Joined:
    Sep 7, 2017
    205
    48
    0
    Location:
    MA
    Vehicle:
    2016 Prius c
    Model:
    N/A
    Has anyone used something like the Prolong charger by Hybrid Automotive in conjunction with 1-200 watts solar to charge the battery while driving, to reduce gas use? Would that rate of charge even make a dent in it? Is it even possible or advisable to have it charged from multiple sources simultaneously like this? I don't expect I'll ever bother doing this, just having some fun.
     
    #1 k1ngn0thing, Mar 13, 2018
  2. Raytheeagle

    Raytheeagle Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 1, 2016
    11,251
    15,477
    0
    Location:
    Bay Area, California
    Vehicle:
    2019 Prius Prime
    Model:
    Prime Plus
    No and not advisable.
     
    #2 Raytheeagle, Mar 13, 2018
    qettyz, Prodigyplace and k1ngn0thing like this.
  3. fuzzy1

    fuzzy1 Senior Member

    Joined:
    Feb 26, 2009
    17,173
    10,081
    90
    Location:
    Western Washington
    Vehicle:
    Other Hybrid
    Model:
    N/A
    Mounting the solar system such that its extra weight and air drag don't consume all possible gain, will be difficult.
     
    #3 fuzzy1, Mar 13, 2018
    qettyz likes this.
  4. k1ngn0thing

    k1ngn0thing Member

    Joined:
    Sep 7, 2017
    205
    48
    0
    Location:
    MA
    Vehicle:
    2016 Prius c
    Model:
    N/A
    eh, there are very low-profile flexible solar panels and the edges could be taped so no air gets underneath
     
    #4 k1ngn0thing, Mar 13, 2018
  5. MickyMatter

    MickyMatter Active Member

    Joined:
    Mar 2, 2015
    260
    166
    0
    Location:
    Germany
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Model:
    II
    Toyota says, the solar roof of the Prius IV will extend the range up to five kilometers per day.

    That would save me max. 0,3 € per day. Due to the cheaper gas prizes in the US you will save less.

    In the winter the sun has less power. And then the rainy days...
    I think it would last three years for me to save 100 €. Panel and charger and installation will cost much more I think. Don't forget the possibility of an early damage.

    In the summer usually I try to park in the shadow (underground garage or parking house (not sure about the right English words)). With the solar roof I should park in the sun. But then the car would heat up much more and the solar power would feed the A/C. I don't know, but I think the A/C would need additional power.

    It's possible that the disadvantages could dominate both ecologically and economically.

    Cheaper standard panels installed at home could be better, because
    - they can be standard -> cheaper
    - they can be bigger (more surface) -> more power
    - they can be in the sun all day long -> more energy
    - they cause no additional weight/wind resistance to the car -> less consumption
     
    #5 MickyMatter, Mar 13, 2018
    Pantelis and fuzzy1 like this.
(You must log in or sign up to post here.)