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There was similar responses to the ‘solar roads’ projects. There were so many practical problems, and at the end of the day, it was just throwing away 30-50% ef

There was similar responses to the ‘solar roads’ projects. There were so many practical problems, and at the end of the day, it was just throwing away 30-50% efficiency putting them flat in the road, compared to just putting panels on structures next to the road, or on building roofs, or in solar farms. So it was always going to be way more expensive per-kWh generated and per unit area of solar panels, meaning that it was both a waste of money and resources. But so many people were willing to ignore it, because “at least they’re doing something”. Instead, better to do the calculations to see if these kind of things are feasible, and if not, to look for an idea that is more feasible rather than wasting time, money and resources on things we know won’t really help!

riskable 8y ago
I thought the point of solar roads wasn't that they were more efficient than, "just putting them on buildings or the sides of roads" it was more of a way to utilize otherwise "wasted space". As in, when you're laying down a new road why not add some solar generating capacity as just another thing you lay into the pavement just like those little reflectors or paint.
- _Codemonkeyism 8y ago
  Because it's cheaper and easier to maintain to put the solar generating capacity next to the road instead of "on the road". You get twice as much solar capacity when you put it beside the road for the same money (installation + maintainance) -> better.