Sun power: Company adds rooftop solar cells to hybrid cars (Solar Prius)

[jpak]

http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071117/AUTO03/711170301/1149/auto03

The curved roof of the Toyota Prius in front of the Solar Electrical Systems office is covered with 146 dark, 4-inch-square solar cells.

When Greg Johanson first had the idea to give the hybrid car a bit of solar electrical energy, he didn't know what a challenge that curved roof would present.Johanson's company had to embed the solar cells into fiberglass and custom mold it.

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The solar kits push it one step further, giving motorists a little extra energy while they're sitting in traffic or waiting to pick the kids up from soccer practice.

A solar Prius will use 17 percent to 29 percent less gasoline than a standard Prius, according to a research paper on the Solar Electrical Vehicles site.

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[mac2]

1. Prius solar power roof

Great! I'm thinking of new hybrid next Spring. I have an old Toyota Camry that never dies but want new technology.

I hate those big SUVs who hide my vision in parking lots. I pull out pretty much blind. Shouldn't they have other parking?

[NV Whino]

2. Best Idea I've heard yet

Let the SUVs park in the far spots of the lots. Can't tell you how many times I've almost been creamed because I couldn't see around one of those monsters as I was backing out of a space. (I drive a Honda Fit.)

[wordpix]

3. SUVs should have other parking & NOT be allowed on parkways like other trucks

[wordpix]

4. damn! and I want to boycott Japanese goods over their whaling for "science"

[prole_for_peace]

5. hey...that was MY idea.

i thought of that when the first prius came out. i wonder when i will get my check....

[Javaman]

7. Pfft! I had this idea back in the70's, my science teacher thought I was crazy. nt

[Javaman]

6. How about a solor water heater and run the car on steam? LOL nt

[Kolesar]

8. 17% less gasoline is quite a bold claim

Considering that the autos that use 100% less gasoline are those tiny, one-passenger, composite-body "solar challengers".