Hurricanes knock out traffic lights. Could a Tampa solar sidewalk change that?
TAMPA — Could a solution to traffic lights going dark in big storms come from the Florida sun? The city of Tampa is looking to find out.
In a pilot program, the city has installed 84 solar panels on the surface of a downtown sidewalk near the intersection of Jefferson and Cass streets to soak up the abundant sunlight and power the traffic signal there.
These solar panels are on the sidewalk stretching along Cass Street in downtown Tampa.
These solar panels are on the sidewalk stretching along Cass Street in downtown Tampa. [ JEFFEREE WOO | Times ]
Next to that solar-paneled stretch of sidewalk is a tall white cabinet that contains the necessary equipment and is printed with an explanation for curious passersby.
“This intersection is powered by solar energy and will continue to operate even if the electricity goes out,” it reads. “The signal stays on.”
https://www.tampabay.com/news/environment/2022/11/18/hurricanes-knock-out-traffic-lights-could-tampa-solar-sidewalk-change-that/