Pricey indeed, but never underestimate the attraction of novelty. As far as utility, hopefully it will open the door to something greater. Maybe it's the wrong dream -- I'd like to see a roll out panel compatible with plug-in mods.

It's a classic snake-oil show designed to sucker people impressed by an energy gimmick frenzy. There's always going to be someone who wants to believe this kind of hallucination is worth the money. In fact, P. T. Barnum said there's one born every minute.

If you drove 15,000 miles a year this would save you around $50 a year.

Better option would probably be modifying your prius similiar to Edrive modification. Then put some solar panels at your home to charge it up. That would be the dream scenario at least.

The "10% improvement in fuel economy" is completely doubtful.

Let's assume we got 44MPG with it and 40MPG without it.
We save 0.0023 gallon/mile. That gas has about 27Wh energy.
If vehicle runs at 36MPH, it is 1 mile/minutes.
It is required 1,600W(consume 27Wh energy in one minute) to improve the mileage (40MPG to 44MPG).
The 30W kit supplies only 0.2% of the required energy.

Ken@Japan

A correction of my previous post...

> That gas has about 27Wh energy.

That gas has about 76Wh energy and we can use 27Wh energy under 35% efficiency.

Ken@Japan

For everyone who say, "Well, how long will these solar panels take to pay for themselves", yet never ask that same question when it comes to ordering the leather interior, super expensive sound system. it's a really stupid analogy. Bottom line is, solar panels are a cool accessory that give a little better gas mileage to the "Full Hybrid" line of vehicles. it's a cool extra and Toyota and other manufacturers should sell the Photovoltaics, Solar Panels as an "option" package. but that would just be too easy now wouldn't it. come on Toyota, you say you're moving forward. Sell them Prius Hybrids with a Solar Panel package and Plug-in Option. Lets go, get this going, what are you waiting for? competition, you don't have any. everyone is just talk. you at least made the Prius. GM and Honda made the joke of a Hybrid otherwise named Stop/Start Hybrid or Hallow Hybrid. Come on Toyota, don't get lazy just because you're now the official World Leader in Automotive Quality and Sales.

Happy/Frustrated Prius Hybrid Driver.

Pls will you advise on stock of solar modules, i am in need of solar modules for a supply project. Thank you