Well, the answer of course is "we can." But to invest in environmentally friendly installations like this there is usually a hefty up front cost that has to be overcome. Assuming maintenance is equivalent to other similar devices one has to argue from the point of view of long term savings and plot out the break even point.

Most people will be persuaded by this if the break even point isn't too far out. I wouldn't try to persuade people based on the "it's the right thing to do" argument. It will help, but it won't win the day.

I know that many states have invested in solar power for their rest areas along interstates. A study on the effectiveness of those installations might be helpful in persuading people to invest in these.

Thanks baci. I do like that. I even like the looks of it. I think one would look great in the plaza at MPL on Lake and Superior. I see in the paper we are going to have another skywalk there. As far as money maybe someone could post this for me. Some of the money goes here. http://www.solarpowerrocks.com/solar-trends/a-sick-graph-2/

Let,s get one for there and give it to them. Even a small one would look good.I bet we could even make it .This could be our New Year resolution. We could do it right here. I tried to find the cost but didn't have any luck. Maybe one of you could. Somebody could find out the type of material in the stem or the type of solar cells. This could even be the business plan for some one in Duluth.

Yikes! I liked the look so much I actually thought about stealing the design. You can't do that. I bet it's really expensive. The company that does the lighting is from Milan' Italy,Artemide. They have outlets in the U.S and sell high end designer lighting. If you wanted to really dream How about a solar intersection including the storefront lighting.