Solar roof

The solar roof package includes several things:

The solar panel runs the ventilation fan when parked. This is useful for me, since it does a reasonably good job keeping the car from becoming extremely hot inside while parked in the sun (the solar ventilation doesn't run the A/C, so it will be a bit warmer in the car than outdoors, but not as hot as other cars). I don't expect many maintenance issues, but there's an air filter that may need to be cleaned more often if you run the fan a lot. The solar roof model comes with a different long-life ball bearing ventilation fan to stand up to many more hours of use.

You also get a sunroof - nice if you want it. This could be a maintenance issue, the same as any other motorized sunroof, with either leaks or mechanical issues (though my previous car's sunroof never had a problem over many years, and so far the Prius is fine).

You get remote A/C too... this has not been as useful for me. It only runs a couple of minutes, shuts off as soon as you open a door, and can only be started when you're within range with the key fob. My office is too far from where I park, so it's not much use there (the time from when I walk into range, to when I get in the car, is too short for it to be of value). If I parked outdoors at home, or elsewhere where I'd be near the car, I might be able to precool the car by remote from inside the house, but normally, I garage the car. I've taken advantage of this function only rarely. And with the solar ventilation, the car is not that hot inside on all but the very hottest days (when it's too hot to even be outdoors), so there's less need to precool.

If you ever want to put a roof rack on the car, the glass roof makes that a bit more difficult. There are some racks that attach and rest only on the edges, those can be used, others that would rest on the glass are not compatible.

 

Gary did a great job explaining the technical aspects, so I'll just add I love mine, and it was one of the two main reasons I traded in my 2007 for a 2010 (the other was the better, more adjustable driver's seat). I love the sunroof for the extra light it allows in when I want it, and the sliding shade for when I don't.

And the ability to open it to let the fresh air circulate (on temperate days) or just to exhaust the hot air from sitting (on A/C days) is great too. The solar-powered fan to help keep the heat from building up when parked in the sunshine is also good.

 

Here is the reason why you should get the solar roof for mpg reasons.

http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-ii-prius-fuel-economy/97814-how-reduce-mpg-loss-because-c-use.html

 

Everything said so far plus, it's proven that temperature extremes are hard on batteries. Being that the HV battery relies on air cooling from the interior I'm hoping it will help lengthen the HV battery's lifespan.

I really like it this feature but I'm concerned that Toyota hasn't expanded it to any other Prius or conventional car (it doesn't need a hybrid powerplant to work).

A common misconception, even by salespersons, is that recharges the HV battery.

 

And don't forget the cool factor. I was stopped a year ago in the Bronx with the moonroof open and overheard one guy say to another "Man - that's a Prius?" in a tone of admiration and disbelief. Was worth the cost.

 

love it, love it, love it. You can open it at any position you like to let just the right amount of air in. And at higher speeds..the wind noise is not horrible at least for me. I also like the fact that nearly the entire top of the car is black...looks great with the BP paint. I wish there was the option to run the fan when it is hot or charge the battery when it is cooler, but that is not available. This was the #1 selling point for me.

 

A sun roof was the only reason I went for a three (not available on the two), but I am so glad I got it. I rarely need my ac and I live in Florida. I bought it for the sun roof, but the solar panel works really well to keep the car comfortable.

 

+1 to this & all the other points. I would never want my Prius without the solar sunroof.

 

I posted my list of things to consider, but I'll just add I like mine too, and I'm glad I bought it. Entering a cool car (comparatively) on a hot sunny day is very nice, and I like the sunroof too.

Hopefully, the cooler interior will help the HV battery life too (since we know they don't like to run hot), and help protect the rest of the interior (and any belongings I have stored in the car) from intense heat.

It stands out and looks sharp on the Blizzard Pearl. Or on the Winter Grey that I got, it's practically a stealth option, the color blends in pretty closely with the paint so most people won't even notice it (in case you don't want to look like a geek - or any more than you already do by driving a Prius). Look at my photo on the left - can you see the sunroof?

 

Gary,

Another thing I've been impressed with is how well it works on cold (for me) yet sunny days which can still heat up the interior beyond what feels comfortable with winter(ish) clothing on. I keep it on year around here.

 

I love having a sunroof as well. It was the one option that I really wanted and the dealer just happened to have a III with a sunroof available. Mine was packaged with the navigation, which I'm not impressed with and rarely use, so it was a very expensive sunroof. I haven't had any maintenance problems with the roof after 35k miles and I use it alot. It has a nice range of tilt/slide adjustments. The solar powered ventilation fan is also a beneficial feature and keeps the interior much cooler than otherwise, but the cabin air filter needs cleaning more often. I don't use the remote A/C. One issue with the roof in the winter is when water freezes on and around the roof, it can make a racket with creaking/cracking noises from road disturbances, but that's a minor thing.

 

I've turned mine off for the winter (though I could leave it on like you), and try to keep it off in the spring when there's lots of pollen in the air so I don't pull too much of that into the car (I didn't notice any get inside last year, but I don't want to plug up the filter). Otherwise, I leave it on all summer.

It's very nice never to get into a car that's burn your hands on the steering wheel hot.

 

When I bought mine in 2009, I was told that the solar roof option was only for 2010 Prii going to the South or Southwest. Fortunately, I was able to get one. It's been VERY nice here in the Seattle area in the summertime, particularly the solar powered ventilation. I've always liked having a sunroof in my vehicles.

No maintenance issues at all, and no reports of this here on PriusChat as far as I know.

 

It's funny how "luxuries" like a solar roof soon become "necessities". I love all the extras on my Prius IV - leather seats/steering wheel, sunroof, nav, sat radio, rear camera, etc and I would never get another car without them.

 

I have to have a moonroof. If the car doesn't come with one I opt for a aftermarket one like Webasto. The moonroof is much larger as OEM then aftermarket, but when opened it does not open completely to the rear not a big deal).
Being a solar guy the panel is a nicety, but not a necessity. In the summer here it just gives fresh hot air in the cabin instead of stuffy hot air. the panoramic roof like the one on available on the Prius V would have been more to my liking.
As others have said, the package comes with other packs. I personally love the XM radio (I am five years in on a lifetime subscription - so it has paid for itself).
Toyota has learned that the moon/solar roof is a popular option.

 

+1 on the solar package. It was worth the extra $$$. I use my sunroof all of the time and having the solar panels is always a hot topic of conversation.
I got black on black since the Blizzard with solar package was very difficult to get a few years back.