Prius 2012 with moon/sunroof and solar on hot climate country

Heat is the enemy of the traction battery so always avoid parking where the sun can heat it. Also avoid 'heat pumping' the battery by descending tall hills, 100m, without using B to moderate the speed and charge. Charging NiMH is exothermic, it generates heat.

Bob Wilson

 

Yes.

Bob Wilson

 

I have the 2012 IV with the solar/sun/moon roof. The solar roof is that part that I really really like in the summer. The solar cabin ventelation keeps the inside of the car such that if I have been parked in direct sun for hours I can open the door and 1-not have a heat wave blast me in the face and 2-be able to jump right in and be comfortable. Water bottles that I have left on the floor are what you would call room temperature...no hot water.
If I take the time to put a screen in the windshield I have found it comfortable even in the summer heat in Florida. (I still turn on the A/C though. ;-) )

 

The solar panel roof and sun roof are great except for two warnings.
Number one it appears that the sunroof seals around the edges of the glass have a common problem of expanding and failing. The fix is over $2000 as the whole assembly needs replacement.
Number two the solar panels may or may not have been assembled correctly and had all the soldering flux removed which may result in there being some corrosion which will kill the panels. Fortunately looking carefully at the solar panels should reveal if there is any corrosion starting. None has so far happened on my panels but the sunroof edge seals have failed 2 times having been replaced the first time under warranty.