Toyota to add solar panels to next-gen Prius

[Uzzy]

Originally Posted by osiris

If technological progress was unmitigated by the international elite, we would all be driving cars right now that are powered by a certain very large energy generator- The earth! Energy is everywhere and can be harnessed from any and all forms of matter.

Considering that all three of the Detroit automakers are controlled by senior-level Knights of Malta, the same group who happens to run certain agencies such as the CIA, it's guaranteed that foreign automakers will not release any significant breakthroughs even if they possess the technology. Most people understand the immense profits that are made from our hundred-year-old energy and transportation methods but are not aware of the untold story.

The big three have destroyed a great many truly competing domestic automakers - from Studebaker to Delorean - and have long since entrenched themselves into the international finance community. A foreign automaker that truly rocks the boat will be due for a regime change VERY quickly for challenging the omnipresent power of our true masters.

I bet your unlce knew a guy that had a '76 Malibu that got 48MPG until he told GM and they fixed it, right?

[big swede]

Originally Posted by baloo

It'd generate about 10 cents worth of electricity in 8 hours. Over the course of a year it would save you $30 or so. Even if the added weight of the panel didn't cause any extra energy consumption, it would still take 20-30 years to break even.

I wasn't really talking from a financial perspective I was talking more from a range extending perspective and with such a small amount of electricity produced it looks like the solar panel definitely isn't worth it.

[ph39]

Originally Posted by logansowner

So because they don't power the cars full needs they shouldn't be there at all? And I suppose I shouldn't have bought the wind turbine for my house because it only provides part of my power needs?

Isn't that kind of like saying plasma TV's shouldn't exist because the old CRT televisions worked just fine?

The idea is that you will now be able to stop at traffic lights and keep the AC on and let the engine shut down. You could do it now with battery power, but it would run them down quickly. If the solar panels can independently run the AC then it's power that isn't used from the battery supply.

If they were only the WalMart Special chargers that cost $100 each and only provide 20 watts, then yes, I'd call BS on it, but if it can run the AC by itself, then it is definitely worth doing.

Now I'm confused - what part of my original comment are you argueing with:

"Sounds neat - but in reality a solar panel will probably not add enough power to pay for the added weight for it and the electronics.

A 40 watt panel (about 2 feet by 2 feet) in the direct sun for 5 hours will give about the same charge as plugging in the charger (assuming a 1500 watt charger) for about 8 MINUTES - which is probably good for a couple hundred feet. Even if you extended the size to cover the whole roof, trunk, and hood, and if it added nothing in weight - you probably wouldn't get more than a mile in charge for a whole day of sitting in the sun."

If you want to add it - great. I've always wanted to add solar panels to my RV - but so far I cant get myself to spring for the big bucks it would take to add large enough panels to make it worth the trouble. If you want to save money (and the environment) - you are probably better off using solar cells to your home so the added weight would not be a penalty and so the could be directed throughout the day to face the sun and be much more effecient.

[jry]

Originally Posted by Uzzy

It'll be a boon for contractors. They'll be installing skylights in garages all over the US.

Yup but what about the parking garages at work?
Most Peeonus owners i see are apartment dwellers.
Someone here was right on with the message that the press is going to fawn all over Toyota for this.
Its already started.

[Sal Collaziano]

Originally Posted by FenwickHockey65

Didn't we have this first on the Provoq?
Hmm.

Yes, this feature is supposed to be available on the Cadillac Provoq. It'll power accessories..

P.S. The Provoq is almost ready...

[DaveCanada]

Well, I for one would love to get into my car and have it be 10 degrees cooler and have my cell phone charged.

The way you guys go on, you'd think that your cars don't have power windows or airbags.