06.29.2016Asheville, Community, Research, For Fun
What if Asheville had Solar Roadways?
Q: What if all of Asheville’s roads and sidewalks were covered with solar roadways?
A: Infrastructure jobs would be created, taxes wouldn’t need to be spent on salting the roads, power poles could be removed, streets (the actual streets!) would illuminate handy information for drivers and pedestrians, and the list goes on and on.
This “What if Asheville” question isn’t all that unrealistic because this product actually exists. The website is http://www.solarroadways.com and you should follow them on Facebook and Twitter.
Before you think it’s impossible to make a major change like this, check out 5 other cities that are under way with major urban renewal projects that are “pushing their cities towards sustainable growth”. These types of megaprojects come with growing pains to say the least, but imagine if our downtown roads, or even the entire Greenway were made of these hexagonal, smart, sturdy solar panels instead of not-so-smart pavement. Asheville could be known as “Beer City USA” and “Solar Road City”!
Do this planet a favor and take the next 7 minutes to watch this entertaining and enlightening video:
Now, let’s figure out how to make this happen! If you like this idea, share it!
#WhatifWednesday #Asheville
Solar Roadways even has a free coloring book for download! Fun for adults or kids!
What is #WhatifWednesday?
Weekly, we explore the potential of Asheville; ranging from practical to plain radical. It’s no secret that our beloved city is quite a popular place. As it grows and changes, we propose topics for consideration to promote discussion about Asheville and Western North Carolina.
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