Prius at 6 years old

With my 2004 Prius approaching 50,000 miles- I guess I do not drive much- I am still averaging just less than 50 miles per gallon through all seasons, and all driving types and road conditions. That beats the re-configured EPA mileage by close to 4 miles per gallon. From what I have seen, the 2010 is a lot more of a car with a lot more bells and whistles than prior generations. I would love to try out the new generation Prius for 2010, but my 2004 has quite a bit left in it and I feel lucky to have what I have at this point.

Best June PV production ever!!!

I knew our alteration to the panel orientation would work out. Of course, we had the usual monthly fees that they charge everyone no matter what. Those usually range between $5 and $6 dollars a month, and go towards the yearly total when they calculate the true-up bill at the end of the year. Here is the good part.

June of 2008, we had started out with a surplus for the month of $17.34 and had a use of 14 KWh for the month that we did not produce.

For June of 2009, we had a surplus of $25.07, and our total electricity used was -13 KWh. Yep, that is negative 13 KWh.

This is the first time we have ever created more electricity than we have used. The usual surplus we have had was based on the differential charges for peak compared to non-peak. That is amazing. And, it really makes me a bit angrier at our original solar company for putting our panels facing an inferior direction for the first few years.

Cooler June in progress- And a Prius mention

I guess this has its trade-offs. On the one hand, we are not making as much power on the partly cloudy days we have had the last week or so. But, it is staying cooler and there is not as much need to run the AC. We seldom run it much anyway, so all in all, I would rather make more electricity.

And, I see that some Toyota dealers are starting to get the 2010 Prius in: not mine, but that is OK. I would like to see one close up since this model includes some body changes and a more luxurious car-like interior. I am somewhat bummed that I cannot get one. I purchased the first Prius in my town in 2001, and the first one that was sold of the new body type 2004. Oh well. It is the economy. Maybe someday.