Do you think we should do this?

Question

I think all stop lights should have a solar pad so that they "Soak Up" energy instead of using it and all the extra energy they collect could be put in an "Energy Bank" For later use.... don't you think it would lower our tax dollars?

Answer 1

It's a great idea... and we will probably get there in 2-5 years

depending on each city and their willingness to adapt.  

Less tax...?   Probably not.  If the government keeps taxing

corporations less and less... we will have to keep covering the

slack.

Answer 2

The eventual answer is that it would net a profit, unfortunately, it will take 8 years to pay for itself.

Answer 3

The required amount of panels would be to big to be practical on lights.

There is more than just the lights, there is also all the control circuitry.

Railroads DO use solar panels on some REMOTE signals on mainline switchs, etc; but that is more due to the cost of running power lines rather than any other reason.

Since government taxation is basically 'legalized thievery', what ever gave you the idea that the thieves would quit stealing as long as they can get away with it?