College - Author 1
College of Architecture and Environmental Design
Department - Author 1
Construction Management Department
Degree Name - Author 1
BS in Construction Management
Date
12-2018
Primary Advisor/Subject Matter Expert (SME)
Scott Kelting, College of Architecture and Environmental Design, Construction Management Department
Abstract/Summary
In the last couple decades solar panels have been developed into a sustainable and effective method for harnessing clean energy. Today, solar panels have been engineered into solar roadways. Solar roadways are structurally engineered solar panels which can be installed in the Earth, driven on, and can replace the need for traditional asphalt roads. These solar roadways also include built in LEDs which mimic road lines and light up wildlife crossing the road, making these road panels a very safe alternative to traditional asphalt roads. This senior project is an analysis of solar roadways and their capabilities when applied to parking lots. It will specifically test how effective a solar parking lot will be when installed in the local San Luis Obispo Costco parking lot. In the end, a feasibility evaluation will determine if a solar parking lot will save more money than it costs. A critical literature review and energy analysis have been conducted to acquire the most important and relevant information to conclude whether solar parking lots could be the future. Industry professionals, who have many years of experience working with solar, and have shared their knowledge on this topic. The implementation of solar parking lots could effectively reverse energy consumption for businesses.
URL: https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/cmsp/325