Solar Roads That Even Melt Snow

We hear a lot in this country about change and energy independence, but not too much seems to get done. It is frustrating from a country that has come so far to be dependent on other source of energy and other countries power supply. Regardless something needs to change and we need to learn to harness the power that the earth provides rather than just burning our home up.

Scott and Julie Brusaw started the beginning of a really cool idea back in 2006 when they founded Solar Roadways. The company developed hexagonal glass solar panels that have led lights in them. The have now developed a solar roadway surface that they are currently trying to crowd fund. The solar panels are now installed in some parking lots as a trial.

The first thought I had was wait until a plow runs over one of those. Solution solved though, the solar panels contain heating elements, sorry plow drivers. Also let’s go ahead and reduce night time accidents by having those solar panels light up with the built in LEDs. Another option is to make technology to charge electric vehicles via the panels. Oh and those same cars can put some power back into the road with their headlights.

One obvious concern is the glass surface, but the roadways have been tested with the heaviest of trucks and have performed fine. In addition the roads can be made with 10% recycled glass.  The panels would all be wired and you can easily detect a broken panel. The side of the roads would contain the cables which can also run other utilities like internet and fiber optic lines.

The company is hoping to raise 1 million by the end of the year to improve the prototype and get production where it needs to be.

 by Dante Boyer of The Lab World Group