It was cloudy and chilly on the last day here in Washington.
I’m sure you’ll find that interesting. However, I’m mentioning it because, at night, an official from the local weather service said that calls were coming in from people saying they were happy not to see the sun.
We are nearing the end of the most scorching month ever in Washington the history of Washington. As the month ended, the people looked like they had stepped through a Dali painting. I’m guessing that the heat of summer produced many sun-haters all over the country. It’s enough; we’re roasting.
In the spirit of maintaining open-mindedness, we should keep our eyes on the bright side of the sun. Let’s talk about light. These are a pretty good time to harness solar energy. The price of solar panels continues to drop, making them more competitive than traditional energy sources like coal. Certain solar companies, using mirror fields and melting salt, have created ways to generate energy in the dark. In the Mojave Desert in California, construction for energy-producing solar plants is exploding.
But let’s not get too carried off. Solar is still less than 1% of energy consumption in the U.S. energy supply. What about that surge within the Mojave? Some of it was caused by federal loan guarantees financed through stimulus funds. We know this won’t be coming back shortly.
I’m taking a long perspective. The more solar technology is incorporated into our lives, the less “alternative” it feels. It’s no surprise that Washington Redskins install 8,000 solar panels on the parking spaces near FedEx Field. Also, Arizona State University just signed an agreement to install massive solar-powered shades over parking spaces around Sun Devil Stadium.
We’ll know we’re all one when Scott Brusaw pulls off his dream. A couple of years ago, Brusaw, an engineer in electrical engineering from Idaho, was the subject of controversy when he suggested replacing all of the asphalt used on America’s roads with solar panels. Then it’s absurd talk.
He’s not giving up. He’s aware that some think he’s a techno Don Quixote. They’re kind people. He’s been asked all kinds of inquiries. What’s the length of time it will stand up to the test? What is the best way to achieve the same traction as on asphalt? How do you make it translucent without causing a glare? What’s the biggest question: Would it cost more than what is available worldwide?
Brusaw claims that his solar highways will eventually cost much more than be paid for using their energy. Additionally, they’d be cool. Bright LED lights can be used as lane markers and spell out messages. The panels could melt ice and warn you when you’re close to crossing your route. Brusaw can lay everything down in the video.
Sure, it sounds wild. In the last month, the company he runs, Solar Roadways, received an award of $750,000 from the Federal Highway Administration to get his show out on the road. In actuality, it was in a parking garage.
This is likely to take some time. It is possible to kill time by looking through this photo gallery on Earth. Teaching solar-powered things was a great thought at the time. It was to someone.