# Solar Sidewalks These Photovoltaic Paving Tiles Put Cities on the Road to Greener Infrastructure By Amelia Roblin | Published 2010-10-26 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/photovoltaic-paving-tiles References: [onyxsolar](http://www.onyxsolar.com/our-range-of-photovoltaic-glass.html) As a collaboration between [Onyx Solar](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/onyx-rcr-ltd) and Butech, these photovoltaic paving tiles are the newest manifestation of [sun-powered technology](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/michael-jantzen-2) to hit the streets. Since asphalt soaks up a lot heat in the summer, what better way to harness the horizontal ray catchment than to put solar panels on sidewalks? Spray-on solar windowing is already in the early stages of use on skyscrapers, so it's great to see that photovoltaic paving tiles can do this job on the ground. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.9/10 - Popularity: 51% | Activity: 58% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Solar-powered Infrastructure:** Opportunity to integrate photovoltaic technology into various urban infrastructures, such as sidewalks and roads. - **Heat-harvesting Surfaces:** Potential to develop surfaces that can absorb and convert heat into usable energy, reducing reliance on traditional power sources. - **Alternative Energy Applications:** Exploration of inventive ways to incorporate solar panels into everyday objects, expanding the use of clean energy sources. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Renewable Energy:** Renewable energy companies can explore innovative applications of photovoltaic technology in urban landscapes. - **Construction:** Opportunity for construction companies to incorporate solar-powered materials and infrastructure into their projects. - **Urban Planning:** Urban planning agencies can consider solar-powered sidewalks as a way to create sustainable and energy-efficient cities. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Heritage Building-Blending Solar Panels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/invisible-solar.md) - [Urban Solar Charging Benches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/perovia.md) - [Grid-Connected Pavilions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/solar-electric-pavilion.md) - [Consolidated Photovoltaic Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/photovoltaic-systems.md) - [Weather-Resistant Hexagonal Tiles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/asak-flyt.md) - [Efficient Scalable Solar Panels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/perovskia-solar.md) - [Solar-Powered Sleek Bikes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-solaris.md) - [Quick-Install Solar Shingles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/solar-energy-shingle.md) - [Pavement Brick Sandals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/unipaver.md)