Ispectrum Magazine Ispectrum Magazine #12 | Page 31

• Dust, dirt and organic matter mean the roads will need regular cleaning for the solar cells to remain efficient. Wear, tear and scratches will also reduce the amount of light reaching the cells. And most roads are lined by large objects like trees, preventing light from reaching the surface. solar panels underneath, reducing their efficiency. • The LEDs are unlikely to be visible during the day. What ramifications does this have for warning systems and lane configurations? • There is no information available regarding stopping distances on this new glass surface. Of particular concern is stopping in wet conditions. • It is impossible to angle the solar panels towards the sun as it moves across the sky, as with other solar panels, further reducing efficiency. The most efficient solar panels track the movement of the sun and have very thin, clear glass. Even these take approximately a decade to ‘pay for themselves’ 30