Solar Roadways

[lambo]

I seriously can't wait to see someone wearing one of their indigogo t shirts so I can laugh.

[Northern]

Posted this elsewhere:

Only made it to 4 minutes, but it sounds even less possible once they start talking about how they light up and all have microchips/electronics to sense and be "smart". Not sure how many billions it would cost to make enough of these to cover a road, but solar is expensive enough that they would take decades to pay themselves back; before you even factor in all the non-solar extras/"green" manufacturing methods they're adding to it, or the rate of failure/maintenance requirements.

Also not a fan of other aspects of the video, but meh.

[MR E30 325is]

I am glad most of you see the ridiculousness of this idea.

Been debating with a couple of non-engineering buddies who have fallen to the hype of "OMG such awesomeness!" that the internet is cooking up.

Space to place solar panels is not even on the list of current problems with harnessing energy from the sun.

[F34R]

I agree with getting them on the roof of your homes, I don't see them logical on the roads.

[varg]

This has been all over lately and I have some issues with it. There are several fundamental problems with the concept. First off is cost, completely tearing up roadways and installing wiring and they-don't-exist-yet panels is a monumentally expensive concept. Second, we have implementation - we haven't seen any viable prototypes, they must be extremely durable and provide good traction while being modular, waterproof, efficient and relatively cheap. I think it's a poorly thought out idea and will never work, there is plenty of far more viable real estate for solar arrays such as roof space and unsettled, inarable land.

[Jaxx_]

It seems like a cool concept--I hadn't heard of it before. I'm all for infrastructure improvements. We need to spend money on infrastructure projects if we want to stay ahead of the rest of the world.

However... I'm concerned about the longevity of the panels, and the cost. We'll see where it goes.

[///M42 sport]

I"m not convinced that they can absorb enough power to drive itself in the winter especially while a snow storm is going on and its -10 degrees and cloudy the whole month.

And I doubt that the energy companies are gonna let the consumers reap the benefits of getting the energy from the road.

Also I bet it wont stand up to oil spills.

[Pantless Spency]

iduno.
its pretty convincing and seems very logical.




i just think they need a different "grip" design, anything above 25 on that bumpy stuff might not be a very smooth ride.

[rturbo 930]

It's a cool idea IMO, but not for roads. I think it is more suitable for large open areas where cars don't travel 60+MPH. Ie; parking lots, shopping malls, etc.

The problem with that though, is that during the day, most of the panels will be covered.

I've seen a few solar farms around here, which is probably a good idea. Ugly, but functional. Rooftop solar panels in the city is the best idea IMO. A lot of buildings in the city have flat roofs not being used. Not so sure I'd want them in my neighborhood though, I've seen them on a few houses and they're a bit of an eyesore. I'm sure they'll come up with something more discrete/attractive soon enough though.

[jaywood]

It's a cool idea IMO, but not for roads. I think it is more suitable for large open areas where cars don't travel 60+MPH. Ie; parking lots, shopping malls, etc.

[Sailor37]

I keep seeing this all over the net, I laugh every time I see it....almost as funny as lunar solar power.

I see maybe some busy city intersections or streets with lane changes during rush hours, but that's as far as this idea will go.

[mrsleeve]

we had this discussion a while back

http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=181323&highlight=solar+road

My 1st response in that thread is appropriate here as well

It cost anywhere from a million a mile to 10million, or even a billion a or more a mile in places. For conventional road building.


You have any idea what this shit will cost build and maintain ..................................shudders at the though.

[Gary Horneck]

From 2009 -

http://www.popsci.com/scitech/articl...ture-of-energy

[squidmaster]

Good idea for the future, but how about a solar array on every rooftop in the country to start off.

exactly

[Gary Horneck]

Good idea for the future, but how about a solar array on every rooftop in the country to start off.