This tidbit just popped up on my Google Science and Tech RSS Feed:

Toyota plans Prius with solar panels

It seems kind of out of the blue. I know a lot has been made about the plug-in version of the hybrid, or switching to a Lithium Ion battery, or using a more powerful electric motor for sustained speeds, but solar panels on the roof? Interesting.

I guess it will be incentive to wash your car more often — and pay attention to the roof when doing so.

The image at right is a kit from solarelectricalvehicles.com that can be added to current-gen Prius’ and a few other vehicles as well.

Note: no word directly from Toyota via Toyota.com at this time.