Solar Potential for Roads throughout U.S.

Ever hear the expression “hot as asphalt”? It is a well-known fact that black asphalt absorbs the sun’s rays; well what if there was a practical way to harvest that heat and transfer it into usable energy? Is it possible? Just imagine the possibilities with so many millions of miles of asphalt throughout this country!

Researchers in Massachusetts are developing a method to accomplish this. As they point out, all of those roads and parking lots are simply large solar collectors; and there must be some way to harness, store and transfer all of that heat into usable energy. Although they don’t yet have a workable plan of action, they propose installing a network of heat exchangers into the roads (this could be a major undertaking) and then using water pipes to transport the heat. (more…)

Solar Potential for Roads throughout U.S.