Green Cities
The Future of Green: Solar Sidewalks
October 25, 2013
**This is the newest installment of our blog series: The Future of Green. Every other Friday we will post a blog about a cutting-edge and futuristic innovation in the world of green technology. Technology is one of several barriers that stand between today’s society and a sustainable future. The innovators we highlight through The Future of Green are shattering these barriers. Make sure to tune in every other Friday for a glimpse into the future of energy and sustainability.
These days, solar panels seem to be showing up all over the place. Just last week, we highlighted developing technology that would allow windows to double as solar panels. But what about solar panels that double as sidewalks?
As it turns out, this technology already exists. Last month, George Washington University installed the first walkable solar-paneled pathway in the world. The walkway is 100 square feet and contains 27 PV panels.
The sidewalk has a peak capacity of 400 watts, which—for now—will be used to power 450 LED lights that will illuminate the walkway after dark. The sidewalk is part of the Solar Walk, which also includes a solar trellis that provides electricity for the campus’ Innovation Hall.
The panels were designed by Onyx Solar, a Spanish company that specializes in producing PV materials that also provide “acoustic insulation and UV/IR filters.” The company is well-known for creating the largest PV skylight in the US, located in East Hanover, New Jersey.