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Old 08-04-2008, 03:51 PM   #61 (permalink)
gascort
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Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Saint Louis, MO
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Gascort RIP - '93 Ford Escort Wagon
90 day: 43.01 mpg (US)

WifesCruze - '11 Chevrolet Cruze LT
90 day: 31.1 mpg (US)
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Tourigjm View Post
I've heard that the next gen prius will have a solar system to run all the "non essentials" as an option. so you are definitely not the only one with this idea. How long do you estimate it will take to recoup the price of the panel/bodywork in fuel savings?
I really don't have an answer for you; I'm unsure of the amount of mpg savings for this type of setup. If I manage to save 4 mpg, which is ballpark of what I hope for, it factors to:
15,000 miles/year / 40 mpg = 375 gal *$4 = $1500 fuel costs
15,000 miles/year / 44 mpg = 340 gal *$4 = $1360 fuel costs
I think I can get the equipment for around $300, and do the installation myself. It should take about 2.5 years to pay off.
If my mpg values are better, payoff will be faster, and if lower, then longer...

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