Last time I went to fill-up my gas tank on our small SUV, it cost $65. We’re already sharing one car, and with kids and a dog, we simply can’t fit into a smaller car. Ours is a story monotonously redundant to most American families right now. Unlike those in Europe and other countries, our cities are too spread-out to accommodate wide-spread public transit. Hybrids are one alternative, but what else is being developed to alleviate the strain so many of us are living under?

Toyotas Prius with Panels

Solar paneled roofs on vehicles are one of the solutions being developed. Toyota is one company leading the way. In spring of 2009, they will begin marketing the extremely popular Prius with the addition of solar panels on the roof. Although not yet ready to power the whole car, the panels will contribute enough energy to operate the air conditioning unit, reducing the amount of fuel required. This may not seem like much, but the encouraging point is that the plan is in motion and simply needs further development. Will this idea catch on? According to the eco-watchdog organization ecogeek, they must know what consumers are desperately seeking right now… “considering Toyota has already sold over 1 million Prius hybrids, we can guess they know what they’re doing when they take these steps.”

100% Solar Powered Cars to Come

Toyota isn’t the only company pursuing this line of production. Featured at the World Solar Challenge 2007 in Taiwan was one of the first cars totally powered by solar panels. The satellite-grade solar panels charge lithium batteries, which will run the car for three hours; and the car can reach speeds up to 70mph. It is expected to hit the market sometime during 2008.

It is encouraging that solar is increasingly being incorporated into new purposes that will in time make it a far more affordable option. It already is quite feasible considering the energy savings in the long run. Request free estimates from prescreened contractors to help you decide if solar energy is affordable for you.

Posted on July 25th in Solar Products by Anna.