`` Being able to power a car entirely with solar is a pretty far-reaching goal , '' said Tony Markel , a senior engineer at the federal government 's National Renewable Energy Lab in Golden , Colorado . The 2010 Toyota Prius , due this spring , will have an optional solar panel on its roof . The panel will power a cooling system without help from the engine . One company also makes a roof - mounted solar panel for current Toyota models . But it 's a long way from the new Prius to a solar - powered car , experts say .
The 2010 Toyota Prius , due this spring , will have an optional solar panel on its roof . The panel will power a cooling system without help from the engine . One company also makes a roof - mounted solar panel for current Toyota models . But it 's a long way from the new Prius to a solar - powered car , experts say .