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Solar Energy Becoming More Pervasive

Posted by ScuttleMonkey on from the not-long-to-pay-itself-off-with-gas-prices dept.

TheUploader writes "RenewableEnergyAccess is reporting that Solatec LLC has released a stick-on solar panel kit that charges your hybrid while parked. In related news, the world's largest photovoltaic system will be built, not on the roofs of Priuses, but on the ground of Nevada, and will provide clean energy for the US military."

3 of 484 comments (clear)

  1. How to market!? by JDSalinger · · Score: 5, Informative

    The Prius has an MSRP of $21,725. At 10% the cost of the car, the solar panel kit ($2,195) seems like a reasonable deal, considering it facilitates 10% better gas mileage. At 55 mpg, the gas cost to drive 200,000 miles (at $2.20/gallon) is $8,000. At 60 mpg, the gas cost to drive 200,000 miles (at $2.20/gallon) is $7,333. The difference is $666. Considering the kit costs over three times what the gas savings amount to, it is hard to market on account of good money-sense. The only consolation is the concept of helping mother nature. I have limited understanding of the fabrication process of the solar panels, so it would be hard to say whether or not mother nature profits from this scenario.

    1. Re:How to market!? by taniwha · · Score: 4, Informative

      can't agree more - my prius will drag just about anyone from a standing start, especially on a hill - it's that high torque electric motor that does it - instant power you just don't get from an gas engine without trashing your clutch

  2. Facts don't see to match hype. by pdawson · · Score: 5, Informative

    Sadly, based on my understanding of the product described in the article, I don't see any way it can achieve any real MPG improvement. It only charges the small accessory 12V battery used for starting the car and running the power accessories(AC, steering, radio, etc). It provides no juice to the 28 200V main battery bank modules that power the engine.