Deciding if the extra cost of the Prius Prime’s solar roof is worthwhile depends largely on where you plan to drive the plug-in hybrid, as well as where you will park it. Owners in sun-drenched states like California and Texas are likely to benefit the most from the solar roof, as they will have plenty of sunshine to power it throughout the year, as reported by SlashGear.

In contrast, those who live in states with changeable seasons may not see the same advantages. For instance, in Michigan, where the Prius Prime was tested in the fall, the overcast skies resulted in minimal gains from the solar roof’s power generation, as seen from the driver’s display.

Where you park your PHEV will also influence the solar roof’s efficiency. If you charge the Prius Prime in a garage or under a carport, it won’t receive direct sunlight. In this case, opting for a Level 2 home charger, which can recharge the battery in about four hours, would be the more practical choice over getting a small charge from the sun.