EEVblog #632 - Solar Roadways Are BULLSHIT!

[EEVblog]

They are now boasting on twitter about how it melts the snow 
Like it matters a rats arse!

How much power did they use to do that vs how much power did it generate minus all the power those stupid LED's take?

[LabSpokane]

Dave,

Once they invoke the word "disrupt," it's over.  They have won.

 

[ataradov]

It looks like mild snow is taking over the universe-heating solution. Sad!

[rrinker]

 You mean those tracks in the snow there at the bottom center of the panels where someone walked out and swept the snow off with a broom?   

[AndyC_772]

I think I'm too old for this. WTF is "#snow", or "#ice"?

[Delta]

They are now boasting on twitter about how it melts the snow 
Like it matters a rats arse!

How much power did they use to do that vs how much power did it generate minus all the power those stupid LED's take?

Can someone with a Twittering machine please ask them how many kWh from the grid it has taken to keep that area snow free?

[Brumby]

Yes .... I want to see the energy balance sheet.

[bktemp]

It looks like 2-3 panels had already some problems.
I avaraged many frames together to get rid of the annoying animation pattern, because some panels looked a bit dark, even in the morning.
The two panels with more snow on them at the top left corner are clearly much darker than the other ones.
Also the one at the bottom right corner with a bit more snow on it, looks different.

Now it looks like they are working again.
Is anybody still recording the stream?

[rs20]

Sorry, I'm not currently recording the stream. There comes a point where you notice that the folder in question has grown to several hundred gigabytes, and you start to question what your computer is doing with its life (it also took me a fair bit of time to process and cut everything together...) I'll send the scripts, etc to anyone who PM's me though.

[josecamoessilva]

I expect John Travolta in a white suit and Olivia Newton-John in a headband to dance to the Bee Gees on those panels anytime now. 

[ataradov]

Now they forgot how to red

EDIT: and creators marveling at their creation.

[EEVblog]

Yes .... I want to see the energy balance sheet.

They'll never show it.

[LabSpokane]

I expect John Travolta in a white suit and Olivia Newton-John in a headband to dance to the Bee Gees on those panels anytime now. 

John Travolta actually has a place here. So, it is actually more likely to see him doing Thw Hustle on those tiles than ever seeing the net metering data.

[Domagoj T]

Yes .... I want to see the energy balance sheet.

They'll never show it.

Brusaws may not, but the city of Sandpoint may have to if asked. Surely there is some Freedom of Information Act of something that could be invoked?

[Brumby]

Public funding usually means public accountability.......

[ataradov]

I doubt they actually have meters installed anywhere there. It is probably powered from the same public toilet meter

[LabSpokane]

I doubt they actually have meters installed anywhere there. It is probably powered from the same public toilet meter

Incorrect. I have spoken to the city and the utility.

[LabSpokane]

Yes .... I want to see the energy balance sheet.

They'll never show it.

Brusaws may not, but the city of Sandpoint may have to if asked. Surely there is some Freedom of Information Act of something that could be invoked?

A FOIA request is a possibility, but I am pretty sure they will ignore it unless it's from a media outlet with lawyers.

[Brumby]

Yes .... I want to see the energy balance sheet.

They'll never show it.

Brusaws may not, but the city of Sandpoint may have to if asked. Surely there is some Freedom of Information Act of something that could be invoked?

A FOIA request is a possibility, but I am pretty sure they will ignore it unless it's from a media outlet with lawyers.

It would seem the logical inference is that such information would be leaning towards embarrassment.  If it were something to be proud of, you can bet your boots the fanfare would be clearly heard - whether people were interested or not.

I know I have nothing concrete to base this on ... other than the political environment in which it exists.

[Domagoj T]

A FOIA request is a possibility, but I am pretty sure they will ignore it unless it's from a media outlet with lawyers.

I admit I am not entirely familiar with the FOIA, but I would assume that the entire point of it is that it can not be ignored, unless it deals with national security. Since in this case it does not appear to do so, I believe there should be no reason for them to not be compelled to answer.
What I find interesting, according to https://www.foia.gov/faq.html anybody can make a request, US citizen or not.

[LabSpokane]

A FOIA request is a possibility, but I am pretty sure they will ignore it unless it's from a media outlet with lawyers.

I admit I am not entirely familiar with the FOIA, but I would assume that the entire point of it is that it can not be ignored, unless it deals with national security. Since in this case it does not appear to do so, I believe there should be no reason for them to not be compelled to answer.
What I find interesting, according to https://www.foia.gov/faq.html anybody can make a request, US citizen or not.

In the US, such laws are enforceable to the ability one has to litigate to force punitive damages upon the non-compliant party.

It is completely dependent on the culture of the government entity in question as to whether FOIA requests are responded to promptly, slowly, or not at all. Response times range between hours and years.

[ataradov]

And also FIOA can only retrieve information already stored by the government. If SR or whoever is responsible for taking readings from the meter did not do so, then FIOA will do nothing.

Simple requests like this are handled within a month or two.

[LabSpokane]

And also FIOA can only retrieve information already stored by the government. If SR or whoever is responsible for taking readings from the meter did not do so, then FIOA will do nothing.

Simple requests like this are handled within a month or two.

And from my last conversation, the city was punting to SR for meter data. Never mind the fact that the city of Sandpoint owns the meter.

Short of trying to install a clamp meter, the likelihood of getting the truth is small.

[coppice]

Iffy roadways don't have to be solar

[moz]

Can you imagine the road-deformation people discussing their business plan:
"where does the energy come from"
"the vehicles using the road"
"but heavy vehicles are even dirtier and less efficient than stationary diesel burning power plants"
"bah, externalities, what's a few more road-related deaths if we can make a buck"

Makes the executives at VW seem positively benign in comparison.