Charging the Nissan Leaf with solar power
Of course, he got the idea from a couple of customers, namely Peter and Julie Norby of Carlsbad, California, who installed a Stellar Solar system a year ago to power their Mini E electric Mini Cooper.
"Given our standing as one of the leading residential solar and commercial solar installers in San Diego County, purchasing the Nissan Leaf and powering it with a Stellar Solar installed system provide great real-world examples of both," said Powers. "Besides that, on a personal cost savings level, I am now driving for around 2 cents per mile (versus 20 cents for a gasoline car) and saving over $2,000 per year on fuel costs alone."
The Stellar Solar Nissan Leaf has an attention-grabbing vinyl graphic shouting out "Powered by the Sun and Stellar Solar." Its faux solar panels also get it lots of attention on the roads and parking lots around San Diego.
"The response has been amazing," he said. "People first comment on the innovative design and good looks of the car, then they realize we are powering it with solar and they get very curious. I've already talked to a number of people who are seriously considering solar and an electric vehicle as a result of seeing this car."
More information is available on the Stellar Solar Nissan Leaf as well as Peter and Julie Norby's Mini E at http://www.stellarsolar.net/leaf.