Toyota--first to use solar technology
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 904
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From: Florida
I just realized - I forgot - that GM is working to bring this into the fold next year. Though none of the GM fanboys had anything negative to say about it when it was about a Cadillac. This was months ago...
At any rate, I thought there were a couple of vehicles already using solar technology to power accessories. For example, a fan to keep the car cool when it's off and sitting in the sun...
At any rate, I thought there were a couple of vehicles already using solar technology to power accessories. For example, a fan to keep the car cool when it's off and sitting in the sun...
Lexus Champion
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 11,204
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From: The Woodlands, TX
Lexus Champion
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http://green.yahoo.com/news/nm/20080...toyota_dc.html
Kentaro Endo, a director at Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry who specializes in renewable energy, said the application of solar energy was severely limited in vehicles.
"Even if you laid solar panels out on the entire roof of a house, you only generate enough energy to run two hair dryers," he said.
"It's an interesting idea, but it would be very difficult to power a whole car, even with technological advances."
Kentaro Endo, a director at Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry who specializes in renewable energy, said the application of solar energy was severely limited in vehicles.
"Even if you laid solar panels out on the entire roof of a house, you only generate enough energy to run two hair dryers," he said.
"It's an interesting idea, but it would be very difficult to power a whole car, even with technological advances."
Lead Lap
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 436
Likes: 1
From: Ca
A solar panel kit has been out for a while on the current gen Prius (about $5000 if I remember correctly). It's to help supplement the charging system. There's only one company out there that I've seen doing it.
http://www.solatecllc.com (I think it's this one, blocked at work... lol)
Definitely a step in the right direction. Hopefully it's cost effective.
http://www.solatecllc.com (I think it's this one, blocked at work... lol)
Definitely a step in the right direction. Hopefully it's cost effective.
Plus, California is unique in that many places you really don't need air conditioning which solar is NOT going to power.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Jun 2006
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