Harnessing the solar & pressure energy falling on roads by Road for Energy
Pitch
Creating a cheap, wear and tear resistant, tough solar panel which could be laid on roads. The pressure by moving vehicles changed to energy
Description
Summary
Roads cover surface area which remain unutilized most of the time. Most roads get some amount of solar energy. If the top material of the road could be made photo voltic without compromising the road safety qualities, it would then be possible to harness the solar energy.
The energy collected could be either given back to the grid or could be transmitted to the cars passing over magnetically.
We could also utilize the weight pressure differences on the road due to the movement of the vehicle to argument the energy collection in areas where the traffic is thick.
What actions do you propose?
Who will take these actions?
Initially research institute could take this up as a pilot study. Later either govt. bodies or toll highway private companies can come in.
Where will these actions be taken?
Any suitable place where the cost of manufacturing the solar panels would be less and availability of abundant solar energy.
The material should also be piezoelectric by nature to collect the energy from pressure differences from car moving weight.
How much will emissions be reduced or sequestered vs. business as usual levels?
What are other key benefits?
Less pollution by cars and other vehicles. Energy harvested could be given back to the grid.
What are the proposal’s costs?
Initial investment on creating the required photo voltic material would be high.
Govt permissions would be required.
Time line
Once the right material is identified the time of making a working prototype would be less than a year.
Related proposals
References
http://www.nce.co.uk/features/energy-and-waste/energy-solar-roads-take-off/8669755.article
https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/solar-roadways
http://www.gizmag.com/vehicle-road-weight-electricity/29990/
By:
Road for Energy
