Solar Roadways

[GDS_Starfury]

in the same line of thinking, horse trails had to become modern roads at some point.

[bayonetbrant]

Seems like it would be easy enough to start small with these and test the concept - replace a bunch of playground courts (tennis, hoops, etc) with these panels and see how it works out with the combination of reprogrammable lighting (switch basketball courts from full-size to multiple half-size) and power generation from those courts, since no overhead trees = maximum possible sunlight.
I can think of at least 2-3 places here in town that would be great test-beds for the concept.

After that, maybe you could get some big arena to give it a try with their parking lots - especially if the power generated from the parking lots might make a huge difference in running the arena.

[Centurion40]

Seems like it would be easy enough to start small with these and test the concept - replace a bunch of playground courts (tennis, hoops, etc) with these panels and see how it works out with the combination of reprogrammable lighting (switch basketball courts from full-size to multiple half-size) and power generation from those courts, since no overhead trees = maximum possible sunlight.
I can think of at least 2-3 places here in town that would be great test-beds for the concept.

After that, maybe you could get some big arena to give it a try with their parking lots - especially if the power generated from the parking lots might make a huge difference in running the arena.

Bingo.

[DoctorQuest]

Interesting concept.  I don't want to be a total skeptic, but it sounds like a maintenance nightmare, until maybe 95% of vehicles were elec driven.

FAQ's:  http://www.solarroadways.com/faq.shtml#faqTraction

But is it any worse then maintaining any other big source of electricity? I mean really? We STILL don't know what we're going to do with spent nuclear fuel. Not trying to figure out how do to solar is just stupid. We may have some fits and starts but we absolutely have to figure it out eventually. This is the best idea I've seen so far.

[endfire79]

I said I didn't want to be a total skeptic :)  Agreed about the horse trails analogy.

I agree, certainly worth to check this out and  test out on a smaller scale, and see what can be improved and ironed out (Not just swallow something because of a slick presentation). 

Stretching it out a bit, I can imagine a 'smart' highway telling the Sunday driver on the left lane to move to the right unless he's passing  ;)

[Centurion40]

I'd like to see if tested out on people's driveways and an outdoor basketball court or two.  In southern and northern climes.

I could see Vegas making good use of this technology.

[DoctorQuest]

I'd like to see if tested out on people's driveways and an outdoor basketball court or two.  In southern and northern climes.

I could see Vegas making good use of this technology.

Absolutely agree. We need some proofs of concept and those are excellent suggestions.

And what would look more like Tron than Vegas? 

[endfire79]

I say we start with Gus's driveway.  Pimp that up, and he'll be Ace Rothstein in no time.  Star can be Nicky Santoro.  ;)

[Centurion40]

I say we start with Gus's driveway.  Pimp that up, and he'll be Ace Rothstein in no time.  Star can be Nicky Santoro.  ;)

Suit-up my driveway and set me up to be the next Steve Wynn, please!! O0

[OJsDad]

They've installed a test section in a public park. 

http://www.msn.com/en-us/news/technology/solar-road-tiles-get-their-first-public-test/ar-BBwV7UF?li=AA4Zoy&ocid=spartanntp

[Barthheart]

Cool! Good for them and Sandpoint for taking the initiative to test the product.

It will be interesting to see, via the web cam, how well they deal with winter weather...

[Sir Slash]

Great idea but where you gonna drive at.... NIGHT? 

[steve58]

Looks like there is a solar bike/walkway already in use in Poland.