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Adding solar to offset AC

Discussion in 'Gen 4 Prius Accessories and Modifications' started by Ed Suv, May 13, 2023.

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  1. Ed Suv

    Ed Suv New Member

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    Hey folks,

    I want to add a couple of those flexible solar panels to the roof of my Gen 4 Prius and connect the charge controller to the 12v battery. I want to be able to run my AC during daytime without the engine cycling on and off to charge up the batteries. Does anyone know if this will work or has anyone here tried it? Thinking of using my Prius as a nano-RV or camper or doomsday bugout vehicle.

    Thanks
     
    #1 Ed Suv, May 13, 2023
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    i don't think that amount of solar will offset much of anythng. a/c runs off the hybrid battery, not the 12 volt, and is a kw hog.
     
    #2 bisco, May 14, 2023
  3. ChapmanF

    ChapmanF Senior Member

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    Depends on the weather. The A/C can use anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand watts depending on the load. How big a set of panels would you want?
     
    #3 ChapmanF, May 14, 2023
  4. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    no idea, have to do the math, but the roof isn't large enough. and that's before even getting into tapping the hybrid battery
     
    #4 bisco, May 14, 2023
  5. Leadfoot J. McCoalroller

    Leadfoot J. McCoalroller Senior Member

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    Nice idea, but the scale is way off. Need waaaay more panels than you could fit on a Prius roof.

    On the other hand the rooftop system might give you enough to run a travel fridge, and that's not nothing...
     
    #5 Leadfoot J. McCoalroller, May 14, 2023
  6. ChapmanF

    ChapmanF Senior Member

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    The Gen 3 solar roof can keep up with my fridge for most of a long weekend if the sun is good, and that's dozen-year-old panel tech.
     
    #6 ChapmanF, May 14, 2023
  7. sam spade 2

    sam spade 2 Senior Member

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    This. And the compressor runs from the HV battery, not the 12 V.
    Not practical.
     
    #7 sam spade 2, May 14, 2023
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