What solar panel should I get?

How much extra does it cost to get a Toyota Prius with a solar panel and what exactly does the solar panel do?

• Answer:

  More info about the solar-powered ventilation system: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CchHIy7JgvA&feature=PlayList&p=216B6614C99927A4&index=3 Which is built into the available power tilt/slide moonroof: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8pcSxWiunDo&feature=PlayList&p=216B6614C99927A4&index=32 Which is also bundled with the Remote Air conditioning system. It is an available option, that isn't on all ZVW30 Prius (2010 model). In the US, it can only be added as a package to the level III or IV optioned Prius. (What is available in your actual Toyota region will vary.) http://www.toyota.com/prius-hybrid/options.html MSRP on a Prius III is $23,750, plus another $3600 for the Solar Roof Navigation (SR) option package (includes the navigation system + backup camera, besides the moonroof and solar ventilation system.) MSRP on a Prius IV is $26,550, plus another $3600 for the Solar Roof Navigation (SR) option package as listed above. (Use the "Build your Prius" tab on http://www.toyota.com/prius-hybrid to configure/price a Prius to what is offered in your area (based on ZIP code).) To quote Toyota: "The Solar Powered Ventilation System uses an electric fan to draw outside air into, through, and out of the cabin once the inside temperature reaches 68 degrees Fahrenheit. It will lower the cabin temperature to near the outside ambient temperature to help make the cabin more comfortable when reentering the vehicle. It must be turned on prior to leaving the vehicle and cannot perform cooling such as with an air conditioner." http://www.toyota.com/disclaimers/prius_ventilation.html Essentially: The solar panel powers the fan in the solar-powered ventilation system. The system helps to keep your car cool while parked out in the sun. If your car is cooler, then when you get into it the AC won't have to work quite so hard to get you comfy. Less AC use means less hybrid battery use (since the hybrid battery powers the AC), which means that your gasoline engine will run less (to recharge the hybrid battery), meaning better fuel economy for you.