4 ms·
It's an interesting idea, for sure, but I just don't see how it makes any sense at all for roadways, where the tiles will be subject to constant stress, grime/d
by cheald 12y ago
It's an interesting idea, for sure, but I just don't see how it makes any sense at all for roadways, where the tiles will be subject to constant stress, grime/dirt (which will reduce the already-not-great efficiency of PV cells), non-constant sun exposure, and prime opportunity for theft. We have lots of not-yet-utilized solar space already that won't be subject to the downsides of this kind of technology. Frankly, it seems like a solution in search of a problem to solve. Also, they've got to be a hell of a lot more expensive than asphalt.
I can totally see this as a technology for building patios and sidewalks on privately-owned land. It would be really cool to have self-lighting pathways that also serve to generate power for my household, but in terms of sheer economics, it's going to be hard to make the argument for a lower-efficiency, higher-install-cost solar brick than to just slap a PV array on my roof.
- atomicUpdate 12y ago> It's an interesting idea, for sure, but I just don't see how it makes any sense at all for roadways, where the tiles will be subject to constant stress, grime/dirt (which will reduce the already-not-great efficiency of PV cells), non-constant sun exposure, and prime opportunity for theft. This is the part I don't understand...do people not realize how dirty roads are? How often will street cleaning need to be performed to make sure they are collecting enough power for just the LEDs? How are they planning on handling all of the leaked oil/coolant/etc.? How many cans of spilled paint (accidental or otherwise) will it take to bankrupt a city's road budget? People are willing to risk their lives to steal copper wire...how are they planning on securing every hexagonal foot of road in america when they're each worth $1000+?