this post was submitted on 12 Nov 2024
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[–] [email protected] 7 points 1 month ago (8 children)

A very neat idea, quite innovative! My initial reaction would be that this would be a great way to recycle panels from larger, traditional projects that are getting upgraded anyway. My concern with new panels is that with moving trains above them, there's a strong chance for breaks in the glass depending on what's being transported, and a huge amount of loss due to dirt accumulating. Those conditions may result in harsh losses for new panels, which may be more beneficial in production elsewhere! Mid- to end-of-life panels might not be producing as much power anyway, so getting a second life in a situation like this one might squeeze a little more power out of them that you wouldn't get otherwise.

Of course, solar panels are very inexpensive nowadays, so financially it might not make that big a difference, but I think it's good to think about best use of the resources we have regardless!

[–] officermike 6 points 1 month ago (1 children)

Just fit a brush under every train to wipe dirt off the panels as they travel.

[–] [email protected] 5 points 1 month ago (2 children)

Haha, all good until you get some gravel in the brush!

[–] officermike 3 points 1 month ago

That's why we workshop these ideas, to make sure we don't do something stupid.

[–] FooBarrington 1 points 1 month ago

And that's why you attach a squeegee, not a brush!

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