Why The Solar Roadway Is A Terrible Idea
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Nickolas likes this
I don't want to be rain on a parade but this article expresses some of my reservations about the solar roadways. I live in the Mojave desert and would love to see them try some of that out here. We have a lot of sunshine so I think they'd give the panels the best chance at success.
Still, I don't think they'll pay for themselves or even come close. Initial start up costs are always high for something radically new so that shouldn't dissuade anyone. The real question is not the cost of installation, but the benefits and cost of long term maintenance.
Also the question of practicality. We have a lot of sunshine so the cells will get the best chance at working well. However, we have a lot of sunshine so how well will we be able to see the LEDs? Third, we have a lot of sunshine so what will the glare be like off the glass panels? And if the glare is controlled will that affect the efficiency of the solar cells? You see, it gets complicated quickly. Not insurmountable but the claims need to be assessed soberly.
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Nickolas 10 years, 5 months ago
Thank you for the post and have to say "told you so". ;-) It amazes me how many folks poured money into this. I do hope it works cost effectively someday and we as the human race will get there. So the effort is not wasted. I would object to having Federal (my tax dollars) spent on such an idea though.
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ahnyerkeester 10 years, 5 months ago
Yeah, I love the idea and a huge investment could help bring down the overall cost, however, I'm not sure that solar technology is there yet. Here's hoping for someday.
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Chet_Manly 10 years, 5 months ago
Don't be too hasty to think it isn't going to happen. When you combine politicians who think it's their job to save the world (and who want to be judged on their good intentions) with voters who think they have to save something (the ozone, the whales, the environment, Africa, just think back to past social welfare crusades) to achieve some sort of collective salvation, projects like this could become reality. And progressives today see themselves as 'The Ones' they've been waiting for....watch out!
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