The George Washington University recently partnered with Onyx Solar, a company specializing in Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV), to install the first ever walkable, solar paneled sidewalk in the world. The 100-square-foot area of sidewalk converts solar radiation into electricity with the use of semiconductors. The sidewalk includes 27 slip-resistant, semi-translucent panels that create a combined average of 400Wp, enough energy to power 450 LED pathway lights below the panels.

“The Solar Walk is a great example of GW’s commitment to sustainability and a reflection of the university’s forward-thinking mentality,” said Eric Selbst, senior land use planner. “With an ever-increasing need for alternative energy solutions, it is critical to foster new trends such as this in building sustainable technologies. We are very excited about this project and proud to be a trailblazer in the development of new methods in sustainability.”

The walkable panels were installed on the university’s “Solar Walk” located between Innovation Hall and Exploration Hall at GW’s Virginia Science and Technology Campus in Ashburn, Virginia. The Solar Walk – designed by Studio39 Landscape Architecture, P.C. and constructed by Hubert Construction LLC – is yet another sustainable feature to GW’s Virginia Campus, which already features a trellis with solar panels providing energy to Innovation Hall.

“The installation of this retro illuminated sidewalk underscores the successful completion of a new solar solution resulting from exhaustive research and development activity that opens up new sustainable urban design options,” said Jose Maria Jimenez, project manager at Onyx Solar.

Source: Onyx Solar