We May Soon Be Driving on Solar Highways

Idaho-based Solar Roadways has a bold new plan to generate clean energy on a massive scale. They are planning on manufacturing pre-made segments of road that are essentially large solar panels. With the sheer amount of road surface in this country, we’re talking about enough energy to potentially power the entire United States. The concept was exciting enough to the Department of Transportation that they just awarded the company a $100,000 grant to develop the system.

The company isn’t planning on stopping at just generating electricity, though. One proposed addition to the panels is a system of LED lights that would function as signage to alert drivers of upcoming hazards and road conditions. Another idea being floated around is embedded heating elements that could help prevent icy roads. This system really opens up the potential for a “smart road,” able to adapt to changing conditions while it generates electricity.

So, what’s the catch? Unsurprisingly, the panels are what you might call “cost prohibitive” at the moment. While one mile of four-lane solar highway could generate enough electricity to power 500 homes, it would also cost upwards of ten million dollars before you factor in any construction or infrastructure costs. Then, there are other major concerns about the panels, such as a potentially short lifespan, the ability to stand up to the pounding dealt by both heavy traffic and the environment and how cars would interact with the new surface.

But hey, maybe they’ll be able to engineer around the steep cost and other challenges, and we’ll soon be driving on a road surfaces that not only keep us safer, but protect the environment too. Here’s hoping.

Comments

[Nolan]

I think money could have been better spent on geothermal.