Solatec LLC's new photovoltaic kit for the 2004-2006 Toyota Prius contains two flexible, conformal rooftop-mounted solar panels that charge the hybrid automobile's auxiliary battery through a proprietary charger/current-limiter system concealed behind interior trim panels.
The self-adhesive panels are 0.6mm thick, avoiding aerodynamic drag. A prototype has been operating in the Northeast for several months under mixed driving conditions. With Solatec panels installed on the roof, the prototype SolaPrius® averages 55 mpg city and 62 mpg highway, an improvement of about 10%. All-season testing is in progress.
The kit costs $2,195. It will be available nationwide through dealer franchises. It uses the same technology as the company's aircraft grade adhesive for solar aircraft research, high-efficiency photovoltaic panels that sustain aircraft in flight.
Development of the hybrid vehicle solar panels came about as a side project of Solatec LLC's solar aircraft research. Kits for other hybrid cars are presently in development and testing.
