Great idea. I'm thinking of putting in some lifepo4 in the future to maintain internet, all my devices and possibly a fridge. Will definitely reference this when I get into solar. The wiring through the hatch is the only place I would be careful with. Short term that works, but long term, I'm not sure how the seals would hold up. It may seal ok for now, but driving into a storm a few years later and getting a leak would be rough. Just keep a lookout for that every now and then. I've 3D printed window clip-on spacers that allow a small gap for antenna wires to pass through the rear windows, but power wires are thicker and less flexible, so that would be trickier.
Another great video man, I’m starting to notice more flex panels installed with marine grade silicone and gorilla tape…definitely better than poking holes in the roof. There’s one Prius that removed his roof antenna and used that as an entrance for his solar cables. Keep up the good work and happy travels 👍🏾
Could this be used to help the hybrid system charge when an appliance isn't directly connected to it? What happens when you run out of battery for the fridge? How long does it take the battery to charge, say on a spring day? Could you upgrade to a larger battery so it can charge all day and then keep the fridge on longer?
I’m sure it could be used to charge the hybrid system but the car isn’t designed for it and I’m sure it would take more complicated electrical work. When I run out of battery I turn the fridge off and power the fridge with the car or my power station. It depends on how sunny it is for the battery to charge, but with my dc to dc charger it can charge in about 3 hours. And yes I could upgrade the battery so it would last longer but this 50ah battery is big enough for me right now. Thanks for watching good questions 👍
My question is, with the small amount of energy produced by the panel, on a regular setup just daily driving, would this save some energy since the HV battery doesn’t have to give more power to 12v?
@@soilliam Great to know! I am considering adding at least 1 flexible panel to the roof but I was concerned about the stealthy-ness and leakiness. Thanks!
Did you click on a video literally about putting solar on a prius just to come and say it "looks stupid". I wish I could give you a hug because I know you need one
Great idea. I'm thinking of putting in some lifepo4 in the future to maintain internet, all my devices and possibly a fridge. Will definitely reference this when I get into solar. The wiring through the hatch is the only place I would be careful with. Short term that works, but long term, I'm not sure how the seals would hold up. It may seal ok for now, but driving into a storm a few years later and getting a leak would be rough. Just keep a lookout for that every now and then. I've 3D printed window clip-on spacers that allow a small gap for antenna wires to pass through the rear windows, but power wires are thicker and less flexible, so that would be trickier.
True. After about a year I haven’t had any leaks thankfully. Best of luck with your build & thanks for dropping by
Another great video man, I’m starting to notice more flex panels installed with marine grade silicone and gorilla tape…definitely better than poking holes in the roof. There’s one Prius that removed his roof antenna and used that as an entrance for his solar cables.
Keep up the good work and happy travels 👍🏾
Thank you-silicone could definitely be useful here the antenna hole good idea too. And will do :)
Inspirational, thanks! Might try it at some point just for the fun of it although it's kinda practical:)
Could this be used to help the hybrid system charge when an appliance isn't directly connected to it?
What happens when you run out of battery for the fridge?
How long does it take the battery to charge, say on a spring day?
Could you upgrade to a larger battery so it can charge all day and then keep the fridge on longer?
I’m sure it could be used to charge the hybrid system but the car isn’t designed for it and I’m sure it would take more complicated electrical work.
When I run out of battery I turn the fridge off and power the fridge with the car or my power station.
It depends on how sunny it is for the battery to charge, but with my dc to dc charger it can charge in about 3 hours.
And yes I could upgrade the battery so it would last longer but this 50ah battery is big enough for me right now.
Thanks for watching good questions 👍
I’m trying to add Solar to my Prius and I am struggling please post an updated step by step tutorial pleaseeeee
What do you want to know? I thought I covered everything major here
🎉awesome idea
Hey man, is this thing still holding up? I’m trying to decide about the gorilla tape vs. eternabond tape
I can confirm eternabond tape is still holding up and rooftop panel is still functional
Very helpful. Thanks.
I couldn't make out the gap in each corner u ran The Wire through. Appreciate any clarification in advance
You can force it through the corner of the trunk hatch by opening and closing the trunk to gain some wiggle room. Hope that helps
What AMP is your MPPT controller?
I cant remember off the top of my head, but i believe it is 15 amp
Do you know how to use this solar power to charge prius engine's main battery?
No--i don't believe there is an easy way to do this, and it would have very little benefit to mpg
So you just drilled into the corrugated plastic but not the roof, correct?
Correct
My question is, with the small amount of energy produced by the panel, on a regular setup just daily driving, would this save some energy since the HV battery doesn’t have to give more power to 12v?
In theory yes, but the main purpose of the panel for me is to keep the fridge running while I’m parked for extended periods of time
Why to not charge HV battery n this way?...
or, even use solar energy to drive on it?
Would just need a lot more solar to make a difference but that would be awesome
With the way you've routed the wires into your car, have you noticed any water entering your vehicle through the rear hatch weather stripping?
No leaks through the hatch so far. I had the common leak from cracks in the roof side channel thing but once I sealed those, no more leaking
@@soilliam Great to know! I am considering adding at least 1 flexible panel to the roof but I was concerned about the stealthy-ness and leakiness. Thanks!
@@asquattingmule9697 sweet, yeah Ive had no problems yet! best of luck
What about bird dropping and car wash? Problem?
Bird droppings, no problem. I don’t do car washes. I would wipe it clean by hand once in a while
I thought you were connecting solar to hybrid regenerative braking batteries...
that would be cool
The vid felt rushed. But thx
if you have any questions jlmk
@@soilliamthe wiring charge control could be video recorded thx for video,
but you dont need it on a prius it looks stupid lol.
😱
Did you click on a video literally about putting solar on a prius just to come and say it "looks stupid". I wish I could give you a hug because I know you need one