The University of Rhode Island (URI) is looking at methods of harvesting solar energy which is radiated off roadways to melt ice, power streetlights, illuminate signs, and heat buildings.
K. Wayne Lee, URI professor of civil and environmental engineering, noted that there are many miles of asphalt in the US that absorb lots of heat during warm weather. Harvesting that heat could make it available for many uses that, today, cost a great deal of energy.
They are considering, for example, wrapping photovoltaic cells around the top of Jersey barriers dividing highways to provide electricity for streetlights and illuminating road signs. The photovoltaic cells could also be embedded in the asphalt between the rumble strip and the Jersey barrier in order to capture additional solar energy.
This project is especially exciting because it uses technology that already exists; meaning it could be implemented immediately. Testing is underway on lamps outside one of URI’s campus buildings.
URI has got some great ideas for new ways to use solar energy. If you want to check out the rest of the article, you can do so by clicking here.
At Sungate Energy Solutions, we’re always happy when we hear about new ways to save the planet. But the ideas that surround solar energy as an alternative really make us smile. That’s because we know that harvesting the power of the sun is one of the simplest and most cost effective ways to make use of this powerful renewable source.
When you’re ready for your own solar energy system; we’re waiting. We love helping our customers harvest the sun for their own use, so that you can feel good about your contribution to saving the planet and feel good about your own energy savings.