The evolution of renewable energy’s applications illustrates the way in which we interact with the world around us is forever changing. Advances in other electronic tech - such as the rise of wearables like smartwatches - are a visible example of this, but certainly not the only one. And ultimately, while smartwatch companies shall continue to release new models essentially every year - giving rise to the ‘upgrade temptation’ to replace such digital gadgets - typical renewable infrastructure that is installed this year can be expected to last for many years indeed.
We’re set to soon see a world where the sight of renewable tech like solar panels - already a common presence across the suburban rooftops of Australia in countless neighbourhoods - will be a prominent presence in our daily lives. This is owing both to the desire of communities to go green - and faster, by any avenue available! - and also the exciting new ways which solar manufacturers and urban planners are finding to install renewable energy installations. That’s why now is a good time to talk about the innovative ways in which solar power tech is finding application in our world, alongside its very visible use on rooftops.
Solar Footpaths
Europe is seeing the emergence of solar footpaths in a very exciting way. In the Dutch city of Groningen, plans were announced last year for the construction of a solar footpath, with the solar panels to reside underneath a glass top. Pedestrians can walk the route as normal, but with solar energy being generated beneath their feet throughout the day as they do. Then, there is Hungary’s example, where Platio solar has created solar footpaths out of recycled plastic. This is outstanding for not only creating renewable energy, but also recycling waste.
Solar Bike Paths
It’s not news that using an old-school pedal-powered bike can be a very green way to get from A to B (electric bikes can also be great, but there are some complicating factors from a green perspective that keen cyclists should be aware of). Recently, South Korea has really taken the green factor that can surround getting out on two wheels to the next level. Their approximately eight and a half kilometre long bike path that runs between Daejeon to Sejong features over 7500 solar panels along the route, with the energy generated from them now powering numerous street lights and billboards throughout Sejong. Given Australia is known to be a nation absolutely in love with cycling, this example set by South Korea is unquestionably one the Great Southern Land should take heed from, especially as such infrastructure becoming common across our major cities would provide yet another step that the country can scale, on its path to becoming a renewable energy superpower.
Solar Roads
Alongside footpaths and bike paths, solar roads have also been a longstanding ambition of green enthusiasts. At present, overall, solar roads should perhaps be regarded more as a visible illustration - akin to a billboard - of solar power’s capabilities, instead of a mainstream option globally for solar power generation. This is because there are some additional considerations surrounding them - such as the ‘heavy load factor’, with a longstanding challenge having been the need for a solar road to be able to withstand the weight of a vehicle like a truck. Given this, until evolution in the tech further optimises their capabilities, solar roads can’t be expected to achieve growth as fast as other forms of public solar infrastructure. This said, it must also be recalled that the first personal computer or mobile phone didn’t appear to be the all-conquering digital device that a cutting-edge laptop or smartphone can be today. So, just because this tech is still emerging, by no means should it be regarded as definitely being of limited appeal and use in years ahead. Instead, the journey for solar roads is really just beginning.
Building Climate-Resilient Infrastructure
Not only are these transport avenues for solar power very cool, but they’re also very beneficial for the spread of solar in locales where rooftop solar may not be possible to install. In certain parts of the world where extreme weather exists, it could be unviable to install a regular rooftop solar system. Make no mistake, a quality solar rooftop system is really tough indeed. Thus, it requires very exceptional yearly weather conditions to rule out a system’s installation. But for such exceptional environments, the installation of public solar infrastructure which can be installed on, or in the ground (and thus made more secure) - alongside individual households being able to use portable solar panels [Insert a link to Comparing the Advantages of Rooftop and Portable Solar Panels once it’s published] - can serve as an alternative for bringing solar power to local communities just the same.
Powering a Cleaner and Greener Future
These aforementioned examples illustrate the tremendous versatility and capabilities of solar panels. Their introduction into infrastructure like walkways and covered bike paths show solar power can indeed be very effectively introduced into the existing urban environment, and in a very easy way. As a result, it can be expected that such renewable installations will become an increasingly common sight across Australian cities and other large population centres. This said, it’s also important to note that it’s certainly not only within the urban area that solar power will increasingly grow its presence.
The benefits of adding solar power installations to agricultural operations can most certainly be very significant. Not only can a sizeable solar installation generate additional income for a rural property, but the solar panels can provide a canopy which creates a shaded environment below that can help shield growing crops from extreme heat, thus bolstering their growth. Finally, it’s not just all across the planet, but even beyond our planet that solar power is set to find massive new use - soon it’s expected solar power installations in space will be commonplace!
And for those keen to take their clean and green credentials to the next level? If yet to acquire one, looking in-depth at the immense benefits a rooftop solar system can bring to a home - in addition to what many fantastic smart home upgrades can offer - is sure to be time well spent.
Solar Trust Centre Team
