Ford is upping the green ante with its 2012 Ford Focus Electric, saying on Wednesday that it will sell an optional home solar energy system to offset about 1,000 miles of driving a month.
The home-rooftop solar system also helps to counter complaints from environmentalists who argue that driving an electric vehicle isn't the greenest choice because electricity from the grid is often produced by burning coal and other fossil fuels.
The solar system will have a base price of just under $10,000 after federal tax credits — but does not include modifications to the roof of your house, an electrical service panel or "excessive wire requirements," said Ford in a statement.
The system will also be compatible with the Ford C-Max Energi plug-in hybrid electric vehicle due out in 2012.
Ford is teaming up with SunPower to offer the system. The national Focus roll-out for 19 markets has been pushed back to Spring of 2012; some dealers in New York and California will see the car late this year.