Future Tense Whatever happened to...?
Nov 21, 2024
Sarah Marquart, a freelance journalist and editor at From Quarks to Quasars, shares her insights on the ambitious yet troubling concept of solar roads. She discusses the initial excitement and the disillusioning reality of projects in France and China. Dr. Paul Sutter, an astrophysicist at SUNY Stony Brook, explores the exhilarating yet complex world of space tourism, contrasting billionaire ambitions with the realities faced by established companies. Together, they unpack the hurdles that have plagued innovative ideas in tech and space travel.
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France's Solar Road Failure
- France's 1km solar road deteriorated by 2018, generating only half the expected energy.
- A section had to be demolished due to cracks, rotting leaves, and lack of sunlight.
China's Solar Road
- China's 1km solar road also faced issues shortly after opening in 2017.
- A panel went missing and others were damaged, with no further updates on the project.
Solar Road Inefficiency
- Solar roads are inefficient due to their flat angle, minimizing direct sunlight exposure.
- Debris and dirt further reduce power generation compared to angled solar panels.