Toyota have just announced that they are developing dye-sensitized (ie not silicon) solar cells for use on cars and homes. http://www.greencarcongress.com/2006/05/ai...i_and.html#more They can be any colour, so could be mounted all over the car. Graetzel cells are also 60% cheaper than silicon cells but still reach 12% efficiency in sunlight. Could recharge the batteries of a PHEV Prius very nicely indeed - up to 4 kWh per day I reckon, which would be enough for 16-20 miles EV range per day from solar alone. They intend to have a practical version in use in 4-5 years time.
This technology would be great to have on many levels. If painting my house turned it into a huge solar collector you'd better believe I'd do it. Just not hot pink.
