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Solar Panel - Your Experience?

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Accessories and Modifications' started by jlaibson, Apr 4, 2011.

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  1. jlaibson

    jlaibson Junior Member

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    I'm a Prius virgin, but seriously thinking about getting one before supplies are gone. I live in Florida, and would really like the solar panel ventilation system, but there are so few of them out there, I can't find anyone who has one. Can anybody tell me how well it works? Does it cause that much of a temperature change on a hot day? As a Realtor, I'm in and out of my car alot with customers, and arriving at a cooler-than-hades car would be nice.

    Thanks in advance for any insight you can provide.
     
    #1 jlaibson, Apr 4, 2011
  2. mmmdowning

    mmmdowning Junior Member

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    I love it, I have 15k miles and I feel it is worth it. It saves the interior from hitting 130 degrees and up.
     
    #2 mmmdowning, Apr 4, 2011
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  3. rpeek2

    rpeek2 Dry Ice Juggler

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    I have the solar ventilation and with added window tint it does a fairly decent job. Of course it won't cool the interior below outside temperature but it lessens the super heating. Especially if you can park in the shade. Plus, if you think about it, its a cool feature.
     
    #3 rpeek2, Apr 4, 2011
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  4. FLteacher

    FLteacher Junior Member

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    I've only had it a month, and summer's not here yet, but it really does help. I have the tint, too.
     
    #4 FLteacher, Apr 4, 2011
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  5. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    It helps minimise the build up of heated air inside the car by venting it out and drawing in outside (however hot it may be, it's still cooler than what's inside the car). Of course note that it's still fighting against the heat given off by the dashboard and seats and anything else in direct sunlight. Tinted windows can help.

    You can also use the Remote A/C function. The range is a bit short but you can help further cool the car by turning on the electric A/C (so fuel is burned) before you get in (e.g. go to the window facing the parking lot where your car is, turn it on and then walk out of the office to your car. Again, range is short so don't expect to turn it on if your car's halfway across the parking lot).

    The Solar Panel Ventilation System + the Remote A/C should help. I know it did when I compared the '05 sitting next to the '10 on a hot summer's day.
     
    #5 Tideland Prius, Apr 4, 2011
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  6. HI MPG

    HI MPG Active Member

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    I thought the electric AC ran off the battery first, and if depleted, will run the gas engine?
     
    #6 HI MPG, Apr 5, 2011
  7. Steinmetz

    Steinmetz Good Steward

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    Nope, not if the battery is to low. I believe it is two bars. Someone correct me if I am wrong.

    It's just getting warm in central Kalifornia. Already, the solar roof/remote AC are creating company car envy at my office.
     
    #7 Steinmetz, Apr 5, 2011
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  8. Thai

    Thai Prius Neophyte

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    Although it is nice, you have to figure in also how vulnerable the solar panels are to stuff dropping out of the sky (aka hail, tree branches, parking lot arm, etc.)...and how much it costs to replace it.
     
    #8 Thai, Apr 5, 2011
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  9. mmmdowning

    mmmdowning Junior Member

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    We all should have insurance for that kind of situations. I've had nickel size hail and no damage.
     
    #9 mmmdowning, Apr 5, 2011
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  10. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    Nope. If the battery is low, it will shut off (if it was running already) or will not engage (if you try to activate it with 2 bars).
     
    #10 Tideland Prius, Apr 5, 2011
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  11. HI MPG

    HI MPG Active Member

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    Yeah, I figured that was the case. But under normal condition, with battery 3/4 charged, then it'll run off the battery first until the battery drains... at least that has been my experience. It's rare that I park and shut off car with 2 bars remaining unless I'm really trying to squeeze those last few mpgs.
    As for my experience with the solar panel, I think it is a great addition to the Prius. Yes, it doesn't cool down the interior completely, but it sure beats sitting in a stifling hot Prius, especially with leather seats. When the sun is directly above, you could really feel the fans blowing once you get in. Another good thing is that the fan doesn't stop until you hit the Power button... at least I like it.
    As for the remote AC, I have used it on very few occasions. I guess I walk too fast and by time I'm in range to hit the button, I'm within a few steps of opening the door. Will definitely use it more during these upcoming summer months.
     
    #11 HI MPG, Apr 5, 2011
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  12. 2ZR JDM

    2ZR JDM Active Member

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    A buddy of mine had something similar on his Audi where the solar panels on his roof ran a fan and it helped during the hot summer day here in SoCal. If it wasn't for the ATP on the Prius I would have gotten a Prius with a solar roof.
     
    #12 2ZR JDM, Apr 5, 2011
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  13. tomstodola

    tomstodola Member

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    I have the solar roof. It works quite well, actually. Think of your car sitting in the hot sun all day and then getting in. Stuffy and hot. If you push the solar panel button on before you turn off the car (during the summer months I will leave it on) it will circulate outside air and exhaust the stuffy air. So you will have a car that is not quite as hot inside with fresher air.
     
    #13 tomstodola, Apr 6, 2011
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  14. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    Yup. Yeah I rarely use the Remote A/C mostly because I forget (that's what SKS does to you lol) and it's usually ok with just the SPVS. The parking lot has been moved last Nov so now my vehicle is visible from my desk so I should be able to activate it before I leave my desk. I'll see how it works this year.
     
    #14 Tideland Prius, Apr 6, 2011
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  15. tanginapare

    tanginapare New Member

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    i've had the car for a month and press the solar button every time it's over 70 here in southern california...it works great! wish the CT200h came with this option!!!
     
    #15 tanginapare, Apr 6, 2011
  16. yadax3

    yadax3 Member

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    The solar roof is okay I suppose but I like the IV more for the cool sun/moon roof.
     
    #16 yadax3, Apr 6, 2011
  17. sgbgla

    sgbgla New Member

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    I also have a solar roof and love it but I noticed a few people mentioned they had tinted windows...I wasn't offered that option but I was one of the first to get the 2010 Prius at my dealership. Does anyone know if the tint can be applied aftermarket?
     
    #17 sgbgla, Apr 6, 2011
  18. yadax3

    yadax3 Member

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    Yep. Just contact your local installer. There are tons of threads here about different kinds of tint as well.
     
    #18 yadax3, Apr 6, 2011
  19. rebenson

    rebenson Member

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    I have the option but will still look for shade and have not used often to benefit from the feature. One time I did use the ac it did seem to make a difference. But most of time i forget to have the key fob out, i am so spoiled with not having to use the fob just touch the door.

    I think it would be great for someone like yourself that is out and especially in the sunshine state.
     
    #19 rebenson, Apr 6, 2011
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  20. wxboy61

    wxboy61 New Member

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    I have the roof and it does make a difference on the inside temperature of the car although I have not used it on a hot day yet. I think it's a great feature.

    Does anyone know where the air gets exhausted out of the car? I've been looking for vents but the only vent I see besides the ones on the dash is the battery vent.
     
    #20 wxboy61, Apr 7, 2011
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