George Washington University (GW) has installed the world’s first footpath made with solar panels.
It’s not a massive installation; measuring just 9 square metres and with a capacity of 400 watts, but the performance of the system will be keenly watched. The panels will be powering 450 LED pathway lights.
The footpath is part of the Solar Walk; which showcases various solar technologies. The walk also features a trellis with solar panels that supplements electricity for lighting.
The 27 slip-resistant semi-transparent panels were designed by Onyx Solar. The company also recently completed installation of the largest solar PV skylight in the world, measuring over 2,500 square metres.
“The solar sidewalk is a great example of GW’s commitment to innovation in design and sustainability and will be a reference for others to follow,” said Onyx Solar Vice President of Business Development Diego Cuevas.
A significant amount of the Earth’s surface has been paved over to facilitate human activity – the possibility of utilising this area to generate electricity has seen a great deal of research go into the issue; particularly on the potential of solar roads.
Solar is more than a novelty at George Washington University. The institution has set a goal to reduce its cumulate emissions 40% relative to its FY 2008 baseline by 2025; with a 2040 neutrality date. It has targeted a 1,000 MTCO2e reduction in its emissions by 2025 through use of on-campus clean energy sources and aims to produce 10 percent of its energy needs through on-site low-carbon technologies by 2040.
The University also recently had a team involved with the Solar Decathlon, constructing a net-zero home that generates as much energy as it uses.
GW is also home to the GW Solar Institute, which is focused on the economic, technical, and public policy issues associated with the development and deployment of solar energy.
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