Woman Claims Neighbor’s Energy Efficient Windows Are Melting Her Toyota Prius

[The Straight Story]

STUDIO CITY (CBS) — A SoCal woman says the energy efficient window installed in a neighbor’s condominium is melting the plastic components on cars parked in her carport.

Heather Patron of Studio City was dealing with a mystery regarding her Toyota Prius.

“The side view mirrors were melting,” says Patron. “Anything that was plastic on the car was melting.”

Toyota told Patron nothing was wrong with the car. After having the mirrors replaced, she noticed the mirrors on the car parked next to hers were also melting.

Patron then observed a powerful beam of light that was reflecting off the window of a next door condominium, casting a concentrated beam over her carport.

http://losangeles.cbslocal.com/2012/01/25/woman-claims-neighbors-energy-efficient-windows-are-melting-her-toyota-prius/

[Louisiana1976]

1. I love weird stories like this. K&R!

[tammywammy]

2. I wonder if there's some type of coating that could be put on the glass

Since it's a condo, I bet the car owner would have a difficult time trying to get approval from the HOA to build a wall or something to block the beam of light.

[SharonAnn]

3. This is apparently true. I read an article about this situation a few weeks ago.

[ProgressiveProfessor]

4. Duplicate post from yesterday

http://www.democraticunderground.com/1002219292

[NotThisTime]

5. We actually looked at a home in an efficient neighborhood, the siding was being destroyed from the

sun hitting the houses next to them and bouncing the rays off... it was every house on the street, each side the same, amazing.

[csziggy]

6. The neighbor should get photovoltaic window film

And convert all that solar energy into electricity instead of melting their neighbor's cars!

Photovoltaic film converts windows into solar panels: available 2012
By Isaac Leung on 6 October 2011

Photovoltaic film converts windows into solar panels: available 2012

In 2012, expect to see ordinary windows being converted into solar panels with the application of a film from 3M.

According to 3M, the see-through film is arrayed in narrow, translucent green strips with gaps between them. They are then glued to windows.

The film is made from an organic photovoltaic material which is printed in sheets. While it is transparent, the film blocks or absorbs about 80% of visible light and over 90% of infrared light, providing a degree of shade.

A square meter of the film can generate roughly enough electricity to charge an iPhone under peak sunlight, but still allows for high visibility.

More: http://www.electronicsnews.com.au/news/photovoltaic-film-converts-windows-into-solar-pane

[DCKit]

7. "...blocks or absorbs" might cause exactly the same issues.

As far as I know, no solar panel can (yet) use the infra-red, so it's generally reflected.

This is just bad design and sighting of the condo.

[RZM]

8. Energy efficient windows are apparently prone to generating 'death rays'

This came up at a Vegas hotel this past fall. People were getting really serious burns.

http://abcnews.go.com/Travel/las-vegas-hotel-pool-sunlight-swimming-tourists/story?id=11739234

[SmileyRose]

9. Proof Jebus hates Toyotas

If a beam from the sky melts your car you either have really bad karma or have been toking some really good shit