Comments on: Now This Is Really Cool: Solar Roadways

By: Leonidas

Leonidas — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 19:42:41 +0000

Interesting idea, the first thing that pops into my mind is saftey concerns. Will these roads be as safe to drive on?

By: tidbits

tidbits — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 19:11:43 +0000

Mikkel – So many applications. One wonders if solar powered vehicles may be in our future. I believe MIT participates in the annual solar car competition, which is, to date, an interesting oddity. Perhaps they can show off their new technology in that forum if it can be adapted.

For households, the idea of trapping solar energy in windows, including those not directly exposed to sunlight, opens a host of possibilities for energy independence on a household basis.

New technology and its ability to solve problems is always an interesting read.

By: mikkel

mikkel — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 19:01:12 +0000

Yes, I actually just came across the solar concentrator thing and am very excited about the consequences if it actually works. The major flaws of solar cells are weight, brittleness and (if you want high efficiencies) utilization of very rare metals. If we can build small solar cells into the edges of devices, then that would make them much lighter and stronger, while allowing for much greater usage of the next generation technology. I'd go so far to say that it's the most important potential solar advance as it could transform it from a niche energy solution to ubiquitous generator.

By: tidbits

tidbits — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 18:49:37 +0000

Mikkel -

I read both links and agree with you that the evolving technology, concentrating energy and improving efficiency for solar sounds like a good match for this idea. If I am reading the new technology correctly, it would mean not only increased energy output, but manufacturing cost reduction as well.

By: mikkel

mikkel — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 18:30:52 +0000

I think at this point it's just some guy and very little industrial study has been done. That's why he keeps saying “if” it can be done, etc. Based on my calculations, nearly 75% of the cost would be paid for assuming 10 cents/kWh.

Although I bet his cost assumes current silicon production methods, while the wikipedia article I linked mentions advances that should cut it immensely. It's possible it'd generate more value of electricity than it'd cost to implement.

By: DLS

DLS — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 18:29:58 +0000

Of course, the problem of using the roads at night (or when the wind isn't blowing) is a hurdle…

By: DLS

DLS — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 18:27:21 +0000

The burden of proof is on the proponents, rather than on seasoned skeptics.

But that being said, the idea is intriguing.

It's not just because of finding sufficient land to support real-world numbers of solar structures.

It's not just because of a role the Interstates can already fulfill, that of multi-use utilitarian transport corridors (not only Interstates but side access roads, recreational trails, railroads, electrical transmission routes, pipeline routes, and so on, all combined).

But also, consider specifically solar generation on the roads meant to provide power to road users.

A future concept for electric vehicles in addition to intra-city travel is to have electrified routes, even with positive vehicle control (management), which being electrified, would enable suitable electric vehicles to travel on inter-city routes at respectable speeds, 200-250+ MPH. (Intra-city, battery power or external power, such as on arterials; inter-city, from the transportation routes, used at high speeds)

Solar power along a highway corridor used for other utilities as well (including electricity), to power electric vehicles up to reasonable inter-city speeds (to rival air travel given the vehicles are individual and fully automotive when disengaged from the corridor at the destination terminal site) might be fun.

(Wind fans could imagine the use of wind power for this, as well.)

By: tidbits

tidbits — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 18:18:36 +0000

Fascinating idea. Does the business model include offsetting installation costs through sale of the energy produced after installation, i.e. who owns and sells the energy produced? Does the model include the costs of deconstructng existing roadways and disposal or recycling of those materials? Didn't see those issues addressed in the links.

Initially, it may make more sense for the construction of new roadways than replacement of existing roadways. Limited new roadway construction could also serve as a testing ground to work out glitches and evaluate performance under actual conditions (though I'm sure they've thought of that).