Overview
In April this year, we were mightily impressed by one American couple’s scheme to cover every asphalt surface on the planet with solar panels. As they continue to execute their master plan, one car park at a time, a crew on the other side of the Atlantic is preparing to launch the world's first solar-powered cycle way: SolaRoad.
Set to open in Amsterdam on Wednesday, November 12, the path will initially serve a 70-metre stretch between the city's northern suburbs of Krommenie and Wormerveer. About 2,000 cyclists use the route each day. Of course, 70 metres doesn’t sound like enough length to power anything much, but it's just a pilot. The development team, which hails from the Netherlands' Research Institute for Applied Scientific Research (TNO), estimates that every 100 metres of SolaRoad will, ultimately, generate sufficient energy for two or three houses. Applied nationwide, it could cover anywhere between 400 and 500 square kilometres.
The cycleway is made up of concrete slabs, which are topped up with crystalline silicon solar cells and protected by tempered glass. The cells are connected directly to the grid, and extensive testing has demonstrated that the glass is tough enough to handle being pounded with steel balls. Meanwhile, a special coating ensures that cyclists won't be sent skidding all over the place, even when the weather's giving it its best shot.
The only catch is that SolaRoad won’t be the cheapest gift that Amsterdam's getting this festive season. A cheeky $3.75 million went into creating the pilot. That said, the cost is likely to drop once production gets into full swing.
Via Gizmag.