Prius Prime Solar Roof

We do have a wiring diagram thread for solar Prime posted within the last 12 months. Probably Tideland Prius put it up.

 

Another vote here for the solar panel - I have it on my 2011 Prius, and here in the hot southwest it helps keep the interior temperatures livable, and it is worth it for that alone. I too don't see much hope of it even trickle charging the PP battery, but then again every mile helps...

 

Reading old threads.. actually saw a picture of the solar panel on a Prius Prime on insidevs

10 Cheapest Plug-In Hybrid Cars For 2019: Video

I do like the feature with the Solar roof on my 2010, and though I search out the shade when ever possible in the summer, I do like the option.

 

I’ve been trying to find a used HNK Prius PHV with panel on the import auction sites to no avail

I wonder if there are diagrams or replacement part lists somewhere?

 

You'll need to add a NiMH battery(likely the hybrid one) to under the seat for the solar roof.

 

After 14 months and around 6000 miles, the solar roof panel installed on my Prius PHV has recovered around 96 kWh of solar energy.

It may seem not too much, but it may be worth observing that the system is designed to store energy in the buffer NiMh battery only when the car is parked and the traction battery is below 90% SOC. Such value also represents the maximum charge threshold through the solar panel. When HSD is ON (i.e. during drive) the solar panel contributes only feeding the 12V system.

However, in a decent summer day the solar panel may increase the range of around 7 km (4,3 mi) provided that the car is parked outdoor and the solar panel is not dirty.

Ultimately, the solar roof may be costly, and with bad weather is just ornamental, but every once in a while, when the good weather meets the long stop at the parking lot, it gives me the opportunity to drive 40 km/25 miles "pure solar energy". BTW 25 miles are just the distance which saparates the airport from my home.

 

$3000 is too much!

 

Only for the early adopter
On a used car I bet the premium for the panel decreases

Also on a wreck it can likely be obtained for much less.

Hence why the option should at least exist so the tech can be driven down in cost.

As is the same panel Toyo uses is about $200,
the small NIMH battery? Maybe $200
The boost buck charger? Maybe $200

$600 is likely too much as well

It will take time and volume to get things down to commodity pricing though.

 

Hello,
I’ve a Solar Prime, in France. Only the small battery used by the solar roof costs near 2500 euros...