GaslessInSeattle
Well-known member
- Joined
- May 6, 2011
- Messages
- 1,566
Ingineer said:I can see the point, but it could also backfire in representing to the common lay-person that you could drive the LEAF on solar power and not have to plug in. Not only would it really not change in any way how you operate the car, it would be somewhat deceptive.davewill said:But the $110k roadster and the $70 LED flashlight actually worked as a usable car and a usable flashlight...something that mounting a solar panels on a LEAF's doesn't achieve.GaslessInSeattle said:... One could argue that the $110K roadster wasn't exactly practical but it's hard to argue that it didn't help usher in the new age of EV's. Solar panels on cars could help spread awareness of PV in a similar way. The $70 LED lightbulb comes to mind, many early adapters bought them to support the technology and help it reach economy of scale, don't ask about the ROI, you could certainly do better in the stock market ...
Personally, if I lived in San Diego, Dallas, or somewhere else where there is a lot of sun, I would pay an extra $1k to get the Solar ventilation option. (Like Toyota offers on the Prius) Just keeping the car cool in when parked in the summer sun could offset the hit to the pack from running the A/C full bore upon returning to the car, and also drastically improve comfort.
But connecting said solar array to the pack wouldn't do much unless you park for weeks at a time in the sun and seldom drive.
As I said, put it on your house, then you get dual-benefits!
-Phil
I see you point but don't see how it's deceptive unless someone makes claims about it. Those of us who find solar panels sexy enough to put on a car are likely to add them to our house too, where they really make the difference. I just don't see the problem with it, if there is a market for it and that helps cell more solar panels for now, I'm all for it.