Solar Panels For Homes

Safety of hybrids?

I’m in the market for a new car and trying to evaluate whether hybrids provide the same safety features as standard cars. I’m really interested in getting a hybrid for enviro reasons (or a plug-in as we have a solar PV system) but my top priority is safety for my family–in terms of crash test ratings, safety features, and accident avoidance (nimble handling/responsiveness). Reliability would be a close second. Price is not an issue.

There currently aren’t any commercially available plug-in hybrids. Some Priuses have been converted to plug-in, but this voids the warranty and almost certainly decreases the battery life significantly. Plug-in hybrids will begin to be available in the next 3-5 years with the Chevy Volt and Prius plug-in model.

In the meantime, hybrids are quite similar to regular cars. In fact, many are simply altered versions of regular models (Civic, Camry, Altima, etc. hybrids). Personally I own a Prius (greenest car on the planet by the way: http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20070727/sc_nm/cars_pollution_dc ) and it doesn’t feel like a tin can at all.

It’s quite good in crash tests due to the many airbags (side, front, passenger, etc.), scoring “good” and 4 out of 5 stars:

http://autos.msn.com/research/vip/safety.aspx?year=2007&make=Toyota&model=Prius

I would highly recommend the Prius. It’s safe and reliable, has lots of room due to the hatchback design (I can fit 2 bicycles inside with the back seats down), and as environmentally friendly as you can get.

IDE Designed Tropical Nights Solar Powered Lighting System

HM Digital TDS-EZ Water Test Meter $24.99 Ideal for all basic water testing applications. The best value meter in the world! .. Economy model that is ideal for end-users. .. Highly efficient and accurate due to its advanced microprocessor technology. .. Hold Function: saves measurements for convenient reading and recording. .. Auto-off function: the meter shuts off automatically after 10 minutes of non-use to conserve batteries. .. Meas...

Tripp Lite APS2012 2000W 12V DC to AC Inverter with Automatic Line-to-Battery 100/25-Amp Charger $1,089.00 Tripp Lite APS2012 PWRINV APS 2012 2000W 12VDC HWIRE...

20.16KW VISS COMPLETE SOLAR SYSTEM $84,061.91 VISS are ultra reliable high efficiency modular systems with high performance, durable brand name components and simple installation. VISS are available for residential, commercial and institutional use. ALL systems are expandable for maximum power output, with no need to replace costly components. VISS is a top of the line system ready to be installed with the 'plug & play' technology, which mak...

1.84KW VISP COMPLETE SOLAR SYSTEM $7,103.00 VISP are ultra reliable high efficiency modular systems with high performance, durable brand name components and simple installation. VISP are available for residential, commercial and institutional use. ALL systems are expandable for maximum power output, with no need to replace costly components. VISP is a top of the line system ready to be installed with the 'plug & play' technology, which mak...

1.84KW VISB COMPLETE SOLAR SYSTEM $7,885.00 VISB combines all the qualities of the VISS in a more attractive look, ideal for applications where aesthetics are an important factor. VISB are ultra reliable high efficiency modular systems with high performance, durable brand name components and simple installation. VISB are designed for residential, but will work well in commercial applications too. ALL systems are expandable for maximum ...

Kidde KN-COSM-IB Hardwire Combination Carbon Monoxide and Smoke Alarm with Battery Backup and Voice Warning, Interconnectable $32.50 Untitled Document .caption { font-family: Verdana, Helvetica neue, Arial, serif; font-size: 10px; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; } ul.indent { list-style: inside disc; text-indent: 20px; } table.callout { font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, serif; margin: 10px; width: 250; } td.callout3-c26 { height: 100 percent; background: url('http://g-ecx.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/th/detail-p...

Tripp Lite PV375 PV 375W 12V DC to AC Portable Inverter with DC Auto Power Outlet $41.95 TRIPP LITE DC TO AC POWER INVERTER ( EXTERNAL ) - 12 V - 375 WATT - 2 OUTPUT CONNECTOR(S) Manufacturer : TRIPP LITE UPC : 037332119841...

Tripp Lite PV3000HF PV 3000W 12V DC to AC Permanent Mount Inverter $388.50 Harness your vehicle''s battery to efficiently power office equipment on the road or power tools at a work site. Continuously supplies up to 3000 watts of 120V AC power to 4 AC outlets from any 12V battery or automotive DC source. Includes a PV remote and 25 feet of cable. Super-compact, lightweight metal case design is among the smallest, most rugged inverters available at this power level....

Edifier USA Prisma Speaker System for PC, MP3 Players, and iPod (Cobalt Blue) $79.96 The Edifier Prisma is a treat for your eyes and ears designed to compliment modern PC monitor styles and personal notebooks. The uniquely shaped subwoofer with a glossy finish enhances any environment. Connect to a host source via the auxiliary input or simply link to your iPod iPhone or MP3 players for flexible instant plug and play music. A wired 'red halo' remote makes adjusting the volume easy...

Edifier USA Prisma Speaker System for PC, MP3 Players, and iPod (Silver) $99.99 The Edifier Prisma is a treat for your eyes and ears designed to compliment modern PC monitor styles and personal notebooks. The uniquely shaped subwoofer with a glossy finish enhances any environment. Connect to a host source via the auxiliary input or simply link to your iPod iPhone or MP3 players for flexible instant plug and play music. A wired 'red halo' remote makes adjusting the volume easy...