solar panel + prolong charger?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Accessories & Modifications' started by k1ngn0thing, Mar 13, 2018.

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  1. k1ngn0thing

    k1ngn0thing Member

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    Has anyone used something like the Prolong charger by Hybrid Automotive in conjunction with 1-200 watts solar to charge the battery while driving, to reduce gas use? Would that rate of charge even make a dent in it? Is it even possible or advisable to have it charged from multiple sources simultaneously like this? I don't expect I'll ever bother doing this, just having some fun.
     
    #1 k1ngn0thing, Mar 13, 2018
  2. Raytheeagle

    Raytheeagle Senior Member

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    No and not advisable.
     
    #2 Raytheeagle, Mar 13, 2018
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  3. fuzzy1

    fuzzy1 Senior Member

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    Mounting the solar system such that its extra weight and air drag don't consume all possible gain, will be difficult.
     
    #3 fuzzy1, Mar 13, 2018
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  4. k1ngn0thing

    k1ngn0thing Member

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    eh, there are very low-profile flexible solar panels and the edges could be taped so no air gets underneath
     
    #4 k1ngn0thing, Mar 13, 2018
  5. MickyMatter

    MickyMatter Active Member

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    Toyota says, the solar roof of the Prius IV will extend the range up to five kilometers per day.

    That would save me max. 0,3 € per day. Due to the cheaper gas prizes in the US you will save less.

    In the winter the sun has less power. And then the rainy days...
    I think it would last three years for me to save 100 €. Panel and charger and installation will cost much more I think. Don't forget the possibility of an early damage.

    In the summer usually I try to park in the shadow (underground garage or parking house (not sure about the right English words)). With the solar roof I should park in the sun. But then the car would heat up much more and the solar power would feed the A/C. I don't know, but I think the A/C would need additional power.

    It's possible that the disadvantages could dominate both ecologically and economically.

    Cheaper standard panels installed at home could be better, because
    - they can be standard -> cheaper
    - they can be bigger (more surface) -> more power
    - they can be in the sun all day long -> more energy
    - they cause no additional weight/wind resistance to the car -> less consumption
     
    #5 MickyMatter, Mar 13, 2018
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