US city uses solar sidewalk to power traffic lights

Tampa isn't the first city in the world to opt for a solar sidewalk solution. In the spring of 2021, Barcelona City Hall covered 50sq m of sidewalk with photovoltaic panels. Photo: AFP

What if a sidewalk could store energy and power traffic lights to cover potential power outages? That's the innovative idea that an American city has put into practice.

Particularly at risk from hurricanes, the municipality of Tampa (located in northwest Florida) is sometimes confronted with power outages. This is a major problem, which can quickly turn dangerous when it impacts road traffic, for example if traffic lights are not working.