Gen 5 Prius Prime Solar Charging Question I am using the Level 1 charger supplied with my car which is rated for 120V @ 20A and takes approx. 11 hours for a full recharge. I have a location next to my home where I can install 200 sf of solar panels (Central Florida). I want to install the panels and controller myself and it will be off grid meaning separate from the power to my home so I can charge my car even when the power is out such as after hurricanes. Has anyone attempted solar charging for their Prime? What wattage will be required to successfully charge (or partially charge) the battery on my prime?
I have 3kW of solar on my roof, grid-connected. I set the charging schedule in my Prime to 8:30-4:30 to take advantage of the solar and not put a carbon load on the power coop (which is 100% daytime solar). I also have a switch in the solar controller that turns the outlet (that I use for the OEM Level 1 charger) on when the panels are delivering and off when it is dark. The solar did cost me $15,000, and the state had run out of money when I applied for the partial rebate. But it is worth it for me as a conservationist.
