Solar powered glass roads with built in LED's

[Bring_Back_Shantz]

Originally Posted by MattyC

My question is at what point does it become a necessity and cost doesnt matter? You could argue that something like this needs to happen eventually, so when is it just about having the resources and not just the "cash"

Cost will always matter. The real question is at what point will our energy needs justify the cost of something like this.

[Coach]

Originally Posted by Bring_Back_Shantz

Cost will always matter. The real question is at what point will our energy needs justify the cost of something like this.

But the total cost is not monetary. What about the cost of continuing to drive up global temperatures, pollute oceans and destabilizing the planet? Those things aren't calculable in money standards, because money in itself is arbitrary. My question is at what point do we realize that the cost may be humanity and thus, the "cost" of building this (or something like it) becomes irrelevant? Do we need to wait until then before something like this gets implemented?

The lack of forethought on energy really boggles my mind. Like we have always used the same fuels and mass infrastructure changes have never happened to accommodate new things. Yes, these changes generally happen when one becomes cheaper/more convenient than the other, but affordability isnt the problem anymore. Renewability is.

[DoubleF]

I could imagine people getting upset because parking their electric car on the driveway decreases their charging time.

[WhiteTiger]

I wonder about what kind of damage the road would take in a serious traffic accident.

[ripTDR]

Might be good for parking lots, gated communities and airports

[Super Nintendo Chalmers]

Originally Posted by MattyC

But the total cost is not monetary. What about the cost of continuing to drive up global temperatures, pollute oceans and destabilizing the planet? Those things aren't calculable in money standards, because money in itself is arbitrary. My question is at what point do we realize that the cost may be humanity and thus, the "cost" of building this (or something like it) becomes irrelevant? Do we need to wait until then before something like this gets implemented?

The lack of forethought on energy really boggles my mind. Like we have always used the same fuels and mass infrastructure changes have never happened to accommodate new things. Yes, these changes generally happen when one becomes cheaper/more convenient than the other, but affordability isnt the problem anymore. Renewability is.

Perhaps we should ask a really big question; will a road made of solar panels make up for the cars driving on it or will it just make everyone feel better about what they're doing?

[Coach]

Originally Posted by Super Nintendo Chalmers

Perhaps we should ask a really big question; will a road made of solar panels make up for the cars driving on it or will it just make everyone feel better about what they're doing?

Electric cars running off the electricity supplied by the massive, country-wide solar grid.

I know people don't want to give up their oil, asphault, combustion engines, etc... but it's all going to have to happen.

[Mazrim]

Originally Posted by vanisleflamesfan

Asphalt is not particularly well suited to be used in our climate either and yet we have accepted the costs associated with building millions of miles of roads paved with bitumen.

Asphaltic Pavement is a better solution than any other road construction solution for the Canadian climate, actually. It's far more flexible than concrete which saves us a ton of trouble from ice lenses/frost heaving, and far cheaper as well.

My biggest question about these solar roads is how long it takes for the wearing surface to need replacing. I'm sure this glass surface is textured enough to get traction initially, but any wearing surface has a lifespan. For the cost, it should hopefully last close to concrete before needing resurfacing/replacing.