Solar Walk

Solar Walk | Photo: Studio 39

The use of photovoltaic solar panels on roofs is something we're already familiar with. However, if we think about sun-exposed areas, which sometimes reach extremely high temperatures, the largest surfaces are pavements.

This principle led a team from The George Washington University in Virginia, USA, to create the "Solar Walk" project, the first solar energy generator pathway in the world that includes walkable solar panels.

Solar Walk | Photo: Studio 39

This innovative project was developed at the Science and Technology Campus of George Washington University, Virginia, USA, designed by Studio39, and involved a multidisciplinary team featuring The George Washington University, Cates Engineering, Construction Shubert, GHT and Onyx Solar.

The design is the first piece of the University’s new master plan and will provide solar covered trellises that will help to minimize one of the education building’s overall energy consumption. It spans two plus acres of GW’s Science and Technology Campus. 

Solar Walk | Photo: Studio 39

The plan is based on sustainable solutions that include 100% native plant materials, multiple rain gardens, permeable pavements, bioswale, solar voltaic panels and rainwater collection from trellis roofs with photovoltaic panels, which besides producing energy allow collecting rain water.

The biggest innovation is an installation test, a rectangle with approximately 100 m², where the pavement consists of walkable solar panels, manufactured by Spanish company Onyx Solar, that in addition to an anti-slip surface are capable of supporting loads up to 400 kg per panel.

Solar Walk | Photo: The George Washington University via designboom

Solar Walk | Photo: Onyx Solar via designboom

The path intends to demonstrate how to take full advantage from this sort of technology, by incorporating innovation, design and science from a sustainability perspective.

More at: gwtoday.gwu.edu/gw-debuts-solar-walk-virginia-science-and-technology-campus