solar walk: walkable solar-paneled pathway creates energy

george washington university has completed the world’s first energy producing walkable solar-paneled pathway on the virginia science and technology campus as a part of their sustainable ‘solar walk’ project. the landscaped pedestrian sidewalk boasts a solar-powered trellis by studio39 architecture and 27 slip-resistant semi-transparent photovoltaic glass panels by onyx solar that converts direct sunlight into electricity. the installation is an extension of the public sidewalk, combining an average of 400-watt peak capacity – the maximum amount of power that can be produced under perfect conditions – with enough energy to power 450 LED pathway lights below the surface. 

the landscaped pedestrian sidewalk boasts a solar-powered trellis and 27 slip-resistant semi-transparent photovoltaic panels
image courtesy GWU

the solar-powered trellis creates energy that feeds back to the university’s innovation hall
image courtesy studio39

the installation is an extension of the public sidewalk, producing enough energy to power 450 LED pathway lights
image courtesy onyx solar

slip-resistant semi-transparent photovoltaic glass panels
image courtesy onyx solar

detail
image courtesy onyx solar

plan view of the site
image courtesy studio39

h/t gizmag