Digital News Report – Solar panels are helping two Chevrolet Volt car owners to recharge the batteries on their cars. Mark Hildebrandt installs solar panels for a living, so it was only natural for him to use the solar panels at his home to recharge his Chevrolet Volt. Robert deLeuze is the from Napa, California and uses solar panels at his vineyard and to charge his car as well.
Mark Hildebrandt has been interested in renewable energy ever since the 1970s and has made a career out of installing solar panels as owner of Sunventrix in Saline, Michigan. He was one of the first to own a Chevrolet Volt in Michigan. He believes that others will want to recharge their cars using solar panels.
In 2007, Robert deLeuze, had his ZD Wines vineyard in Napa, California get power from solar panels. DeLeuze also uses the solar panel array to charge his Chevrolet Volt. DeLeuze told Chevrolet that he thinks that more people will install solar panels at their home because of the Volt vehicles.
According to OnStar data collected, there are Chevrolet Volts that are driving up to 1,000 miles before having to refill with gasoline. Cristi Landy’s Volt marketing directos said that Volt customers drive most of their miles with electricity from the battery.
The Volt’s battery can provide the first 35 miles of driving before using gasoline. The car is able to drive a total of 379 miles with the extended range using a gasoline powered generator and engine.
By Victoria Brown