this post was submitted on 01 Apr 2025
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Futurology

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[–] keepcarrot@hexbear.net 6 points 1 day ago (1 children)

What's up with putting solar panels on random infrastructure that isn't roads and parking lots? Like, a parking lot with solar panel cover would both provide a lot of energy and stop people cooking in their cars somewhat

[–] pupbiru@aussie.zone 2 points 1 day ago

over canals is a good idea too: covering up waterways means less evaporation

[–] shath@hexbear.net 7 points 1 day ago (2 children)

the problem is not ideas of what we could do, it's the political will and resource to get things built

we could turn every road/canal into a solar panel, but if there isn't the political will to get it done it won't. not to mention you could just build a solar plant and just be done with it

[–] RedWizard@hexbear.net 6 points 1 day ago* (last edited 1 day ago) (1 children)

Yeah that's the thing that drives me up a wall about these stories. China is talking about building a space solar farm to microwave beam power to earth... AND they have the political will to do it.

California wants the Nestlé guy to own all the water, and I'm supposed to believe this project has legs?

[–] shath@hexbear.net 2 points 1 day ago

"woag new idea will fix everything" not if it's just an idea pal

[–] huppakee@lemm.ee 1 points 1 day ago

Totally agree on the problem being with the will and resources, but can I add a small side note: solar roads and solar bike lanes have been tested and the results were very disappointing. Covering things that aren't covered / driven over is better for efficient conversion (not just canals, but also roofs and fields). Also vertical panels covering facades and even windows seem more promising than covering roads.