Solar Roads

[kgb]

there is an interesting video about using road surface as a solar collector and energy distribution system. Not sure how long this link will be accurate...

Solar Roads

enjoy

[CarbonOne]

Very interesting! I like the idea a lot. I just don't like the look of speed racer roads.

[jeffhre]

That looks good. LOL for the hi tech solution for the prototyping at the end of the vid. DUCT TAPE - the more life changes...

[CarbonOne]

Perhaps instead of looking towards Government funding they should look towards the big corporations? God knows there aren't enough Mcdonalds, Pepsi, Viagra, and Coke advertisements on the highways these days ...

[PopSmith]

If anyone else likes SolarRoadways' idea you can vote for them in the "Ecomagination" Challenge.

The "Ecomagination" Challenge which will award up to $200 million to the winner of the Challenge to help get their idea off the ground. The voting ends September 30th.

They are entered into three categories and are asking for votes in all three of them.

Section: Create Power (Renewables)

Section: Connect Power (Grid Efficiency)

Use Power (Eco Homes/Buildings)

[TEG]

Looks like they won!

http://www.fastcompany.com/1693865/s...hallenge-award

[vfx]

Might be good for loops like airport shuttles and hotel/amusement parks.

[PopSmith]

Congratulations to Solar Roadways on winning that Challenge. It looks like they are also eligible for another $100,000 "prize" and funding up to $200 million from GE next month.

http://commerce.idaho.gov/news/2010/...challenge.aspx

As for their "product", I think the best beginning for them is going to be parking lots as well. Most of them probably sit empty for hours with good sun exposure. Even a full lot is going to have exposed areas between parking spots and sections, these could be used to generate electricity. If they can get the panels to successfully work in a parking lot they can move up to bigger, better things from there.