Solar Roadways, Parking Lots and Driveways

[Booseman]

Could this be a REAL solution? I personally think this a great idea but for some reason, deep down, I don't think it will really happen.

What do ya'll think?

 

[RedStickChick]

I saw this the other day on Facebook. Would be badass. I don't know if it would happen because, as many jobs it would create, they need money to start the project, EVEN THOUGH it would eventually pay for itself.

But seriously. I want to know where the prototypes are so I can go see them for myself.

 

[SpeedRacer]

I think it would be awesome. However, I think it won't happen in our lifetime. Even if it pays for itself eventually, can you imagine the upfront cost?

 

[RedStickChick]

I think it would be awesome. However, I think it won't happen in our lifetime. Even if it pays for itself eventually, can you imagine the upfront cost?

Madness I tell ya. Madness.

 

[Booseman]

They actually received funding for the prototypes from from the highway admin, I believe it was.

Not only would it create jobs but much safer roadways. The fact that it can alert you to objects ahead via LED lighting is amazing. Plus it is all heated and would keep the roads from freezing over and icing.

 

[Emperor]

I think it would be awesome. However, I think it won't happen in our lifetime. Even if it pays for itself eventually, can you imagine the upfront cost?

Yep! Just the idea of solar energy has already cost us Billions; a la democrats, Solyndra, and many of these other promising green energy firms.

Here are the ones that skipped off into the sunset with MY money! Why aren't all these people in prison? They all stole money.

http://blog.heritage.org/2012/10/18/president-obamas-taxpayer-backed-green-energy-failures/

http://www.greentechmedia.com/articles/read/Rest-in-Peace-The-List-of-Deceased-Solar-Companies

 

[SpeedRacer]

They actually received funding for the prototypes from from the highway admin, I believe it was.

Not only would it create jobs but much safer roadways. The fact that it can alert you to objects ahead via LED lighting is amazing. Plus it is all heated and would keep the roads from freezing over and icing.

I agree everything about it is awesome. I'm just saying, think of the expense and hassle even repairing or modifying current roads. Millions of dollars and a month of traffic headaches to add a lane on a 1/2 mile stretch or road. I imagine the time to install the solar system would be even greater, and the time it would take to train entire worforces on the install. Just not even fathomable to replace entire roadways with it anytime soon.

I can totally see them doing some parking lots and recreational areas with the technology though, and possibly some new roadways. Good ol' fashioned blacktop interstates and highways aren't going away for a looooooong time.

 

[Booseman]

I agree everything about it is awesome. I'm just saying, think of the expense and hassle even repairing or modifying current roads. Millions of dollars and a month of traffic headaches to add a lane on a 1/2 mile stretch or road. I imagine the time to install the solar system would be even greater, and the time it would take to train entire worforces on the install. Just not even fathomable to replace entire roadways with it anytime soon.

I can totally see them doing some parking lots and recreational areas with the technology though, and possibly some new roadways. Good ol' fashioned blacktop interstates and highways aren't going away for a looooooong time.

Oh yeah, I completely agree with you on that. I don't think the cost would be millions, probably more like trillions. They would have to start small and work there way up. Like you said, parking lots, play grounds, rec areas and the such.

Another issue would be that the cities and states would actually have to hire intelligent people, not just sign turners anymore. It would prolly cut down the numbers in the workforce drastically. The positive impact as far as jobs is considered would be on the manufacturing side.

 

[DBMJR1]

I think it would be awesome. However, I think it won't happen in our lifetime. Even if it pays for itself eventually, can you imagine the upfront cost?

It would be free, like the cell phones they give away on the corner. Obama would pay for them.