Though I've often wondered why we don't utilize solar in other public areas. Especially those where there are potential benefits beyond the energy produced itself.
Where the solar panels could provide shading of parking lots in areas identified as heat islands.
Lanes of the interstate, where, if they managed to just shade one lane in either direction, would not only again minimize the heat effects of those roads, the toll on vehicles (and their drivers) of operating in hotter conditions, but also minimize the need to plow/salt treat those roads during winter events.
How much better would I95 have operated a few years ago if that had been the case?
Waterways/ponds/lakes that suffer from excess heating/evaporation/algae growth during summer. Partial shading in the lakes/ponds (with added structure for fishing), shading waterways in areas where the original tree shading is long gone. Japan already does so.
Anyway, like you said, great where it is being adopted - but seems like there is a lot of potential we are ignoring.
Great thoughts, article.
Though I've often wondered why we don't utilize solar in other public areas. Especially those where there are potential benefits beyond the energy produced itself.
Where the solar panels could provide shading of parking lots in areas identified as heat islands.
Lanes of the interstate, where, if they managed to just shade one lane in either direction, would not only again minimize the heat effects of those roads, the toll on vehicles (and their drivers) of operating in hotter conditions, but also minimize the need to plow/salt treat those roads during winter events.
How much better would I95 have operated a few years ago if that had been the case?
Waterways/ponds/lakes that suffer from excess heating/evaporation/algae growth during summer. Partial shading in the lakes/ponds (with added structure for fishing), shading waterways in areas where the original tree shading is long gone. Japan already does so.
Anyway, like you said, great where it is being adopted - but seems like there is a lot of potential we are ignoring.
Thanks for writing.