Capturing solar energy from asphalt pavements

By Roland Piquepaille

Massachusetts researchers have found a new method for capturing solar energy. They're using heat from asphalt and other paved surfaces to produce electricity. Through asphalt, 'the researchers are developing a solar collector that could turn roads and parking lots into ubiquitous -- and inexpensive -- sources of electricity and hot water.' This is an excellent idea because parking lots stay hot at night -- at least during summer -- and 'could continue to generate energy after the sun goes down, unlike traditional solar-electric cells.' Furthermore, there is no need to find land to build solar farms. Finally, there would be another advantage. Unlike rooftop solar panels, solar collectors in roads and parking lots would be invisible. Now it remains to...