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Solar panel discoloration

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by firsttoyota, Jun 1, 2014.

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  1. firsttoyota

    firsttoyota New Member

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    Ok, Just picked up the car and everything looks good so far and I will give it a good look tomorrow.
    Bottom Line.
    1. No mention of this being a courtesy repair at dealership or on work order at pick up. (States replaced due to delamination.)
    2. Roof liner did not have to come out. ( I am Happy)
    3. A second replacement panel had to be ordered on inspection due to delamination. ( Reinforces my "not the first one" theory )
    4. Work sublet to glass Co.
    5. Warranty replacement cost quoted from dealer, $1853.04
    6. Overall dealer satisfaction, Very satisfied. (Dealer is Ira Toyota Of Danvers)
    Hope this helps any who also experience this problem.
     
    #21 firsttoyota, Jun 19, 2014
    prinut likes this.
  2. prinut

    prinut Pri Nut

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    Thank you for providing feedback. It will definitely help future owners with the SR panels.
     
    #22 prinut, Jun 19, 2014
  3. Heat Gun

    Heat Gun Junior Member

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    I knew this was going to happen but it is too early !
    I noticed discoloration on solar panel as well, car is 2.5 months old, around 3k miles.
    Can a dealer say it is normal wear and tear even though car is literary brand new? Does lemon law apply to defects like this?

    IMG_20140621_162826 (Large).jpg IMG_20140621_162908 (Large).jpg IMG_20140621_162826 (Large).jpg IMG_20140621_162908 (Large).jpg
     
    #23 Heat Gun, Jun 22, 2014
    Last edited: Jun 22, 2014
  4. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    Did the dealer or glass company say what the cause of the discolorations was?
     
    #24 Tideland Prius, Jun 23, 2014
  5. JeffHastings

    JeffHastings Member

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    After reading this, I'm almost glad I didn't get the solar roof option. I wonder now if Toyota will not offer it on the Gen 4 due to these issues. Maybe it's impossible to prevent panel degradation to some extent; maybe all such cars will show it at some poinr. Too bad; this was a (literally) cool option that further set the Prius apart from other cars.
     
    #25 JeffHastings, Jun 23, 2014
  6. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    I agree. I have my doubts that it'll make it over to the 4th Gen Prius but at least for the 3rd Gen, it was a pretty cool option and I'm happy to have it in my vehicle. I hope they can find a way to improve the solar panel to reduce the size/weight of it so that it can be used to charge the vehicle or at least be a cheaper option than it is now. It does make the vehicle unique (though the Leaf offers a solar panel but it's a small one on the rear spoiler to charge the 12V battery).

    I suspect they may swap it out for a panoramic roof like the v since that will be an easier sell.
     
    #26 Tideland Prius, Jun 24, 2014
  7. RaZa

    RaZa Member

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    At first I really wanted a model with solar. In the end I opted for a white atp model 5 instead. i'm really glad i did as I doubt any solar panel mounted on a prius will ever last more than 5 years let alone 10.
     
    #27 RaZa, Jul 8, 2014
  8. DoubleDAZ

    DoubleDAZ Senior Member

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    I also wanted the solar, but in the end just couldn't justify it. My wife doesn't really like sunroofs and I understand why. Also, I just wanted convinced it does much in this Arizona heat, though I suppose 115 inside when it's 115 outside is preferable to 130 inside. Still, I've lived without it this long and if it really were worth the cost, I'd see more around here.
     
    #28 DoubleDAZ, Jul 8, 2014
  9. Wandering Elf

    Wandering Elf Junior Member

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    Here is another example of solar panel discoloration and suspected moisture intrusion. I noticed this on a Prius itech (Australian high spec model) in the car park yesterday. The year was 2009-2011. Seems like this might become a common problem :(
    IMG_3934.JPG
     
    #29 Wandering Elf, Apr 22, 2015
  10. Wandering Elf

    Wandering Elf Junior Member

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    Out of 4 2009 Pri with solar panels that I have seen, all 4 have this kind of discolouration to a greater or lesser extent.
     
    #30 Wandering Elf, May 13, 2015
  11. HTMLSpinnr

    HTMLSpinnr Super Moderator
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    Until the discoloration includes corrosion of elements, I wouldn't worry about it. When the blower functionality is compromised, I'd consider having it replaced. That said, as I get closer to the end of my Platinum warranty, I'll pay closer attention!

    For those who had it replaced, was blower functionality compromised, or was it more cosmetic/proactive?
     
    #31 HTMLSpinnr, May 25, 2015
  12. Striker09i

    Striker09i New Member

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    Is there a place we can report this? I have 2011 with this discoloration and fan failure
     
    #32 Striker09i, Feb 25, 2016
  13. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    NHTSA or toyota.com/owners?
     
    #33 Tideland Prius, Feb 27, 2016
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