Life in the road with solar power
With the rise in life-on-the-road popularity, people are looking for green energy to powered their house- van and Solar is a fantastic method for these people to do so.
Life on the road with a solar power setup can offer a sustainable and independent energy source for various needs. Solar panels on a vehicle or mobile structure can provide power for lighting, charging devices, running appliances, and more. It promotes eco-friendly practices, reduces reliance on traditional power sources, and allows for greater flexibility in choosing remote or off-grid locations. However, challenges such as weather dependency and limited storage capacity need to be considered in planning a mobile solar power solution.
OurFuture.Energy
A motorway illuminated at night by solar power.
BRIGHT IDEA
Solar Powered Roads
Could solar powered roads efficiently and safely capture energy from the Sun?
The amount of sunlight that hits the surface of the earth is huge. The possibilities of what we could use that amount of solar energy for are even bigger!
Researchers, scientists and analysts are looking at ways we can efficiently capture and store the amount of light and heat the sun can give.
WALKING ON SUNSHINE
One idea that has captured the public’s imagination is solar powered roads. This involves replacing the tarmac and paving slabs that roads and pavements are currently made from with solar panels to capture the sunlight. This could then provide electricity to power homes, businesses, and street lighting.
These panels could have built in LEDs and heating elements to display road markings and messages, as well as to melt snow and ice while running from the electricity they generate themselves.
Test solar powered roads have been built in several countries (France, Netherlands, China, USA) all with slightly different systems. Unfortunately, none have been successful in producing electricity and providing a safe road surface so far.
The Challenges
Durability – Solar panels are delicate and all of the solar powered roads tested broke very quickly.
Cost – Solar roads are far more expensive than building normal roads with solar panels next to them.
Slippy – solar panels are smooth but roads need to be textured to provide grip for vehicles and avoid accidents.
Inefficient – normal solar panels are angled towards the sun and have a very thin glass coating to maximise the amount of light going into the panel. Solar roads are flat on the ground and have very thick glass to protect the delicate electronics, this means much less light can get into the panel.
Shade – Many roads are shaded by building or trees for all or part of the day and are often covered by other things such as leaves, dust, and vehicles.
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