Solar Roof Question

No you don't need to have the sun roof open. Once activated via a dash button, the operation is totally seamless. Electricity via the solar cells on the roof panel power the ventilation fan in the dash. The fan is a more heavy duty version than in the a non-solar equipped model and the air is pulled through a cabin air filter to keep dust to a minimum.

It brings in outside air so there is no true "air conditioning" but the effect can be tremendous compared to regular car with the windows closed. We have a black honda civic and it's truly a night and day difference compared to it in the summer. An additional benefit is the remote a/c which is like an auto start in a regular car. It can turn on the a/c via the remote but the range of the remote is rather limited.

A good analogy is its like having all your windows, not just the drivers, rolled down an inch or two but without the security or dust issues.

I also recommend a quality windshield sun shade and tinted windows for the ultimate defense against El Sol.

 

I have the solar roof. You leave it closed on a hot day with the sliding shade closed. The solar panel is on the roof behind the moonroof and does not move. It supplies electricity to power a small fan in the car that keeps the car from becoming an oven. So the moonroof and solar panel are separate things though they do come in one package.

 

Solar roof panels make electricity for the fan inside the car. It does not charge the battery.

 

I noticed if you leave the sunroof in the open position, the sunroof blocks the solar panels and the fan doesn't come on to cool the car...although I guess the open sunroof helps heat escape?

 

How much is the "solar roof" option pricing.......

 

1500 msrp

 

Invoice is $3418 for the Solar Roof package on a Four. That includes an upgraded Audio/Nav system, speakers and all

Mike

 

I have the option and thought I would regret it, but it's great. I actually keep the roof in vent position and I like that option. I keep the inside panel mostly closed. I do admit that if I have a shady place to park, I still choose that over the sun...

 

You would think that they could of used the solar roof to help keep the battery charged. The Prius already has a battery indicator displaying the amount of charge, take a feed of the battery indicator to regulate the charge to the battery. I don't understand why Toyota would build a solar panel just to run a fan?

 

I don't know either. What I am going to do when I finally get my car home, is to measure the solar panels maximum voltage and see what current potential it can put out. If it is high enough for use with my Amateur Radio equipment, then I will install a dedicated accessory jack to use when I am out operating portable and need to keep my small 12v battery topped off.

Mike :madgrin:

 

Wow absolutely perfect. I can run that into a SLA battery charge regulator and run my radio forever Saweet, thanks so much.

Mike :tea:

 

I'm a newb! This post was helpful. I'm wondering if you know any more about this feature....

I just bought a 2010 Prius IV this past weekend. When I push the button to activate the solar powered cabin filter option an indicator light flashes in the info panel SO quickly I don't know if it actually turned on or if there is an issue? The indicator light is definitely red, and it looks like there is a lock symbol over top of it, but it happens so fast it's hard to tell.

I can tell that there is a difference in the physical button itself after it's been depressed, but the lack of a lasting indicator light is confusing.

Any thoughts on the matter would be appreciated!

 

Once you activate the switch (yes it's confusing), it takes about 10minutes AFTER the car is powered off for the ventilation fan to begin running. And it has to be in strong sun of course.

 

The flashing light you're seeing has nothing to do with the solar panel or sunroof.

Your best bet is to leave the button depressed. Within 10 minutes of parking the car (if there's sufficient sun) the fan will be run off of the solar panel. If it's dim sun it might run for several seconds then stop, then run, etc.

If you're planning on parking in a dust storm or downwind of a bonfire or something you might want it off. Mine stays on 12 months of the year (it won't blow below a certain indoors temperature).

 

If you are thinking of using the solar power to do -anything- be aware it uses a -noisy- switching regulator. Just a warning.