Solar Roadway Straight Ahead
As the idea of solar power as a viable renewable energy source continues to spread, one question is often posed: Where will all the solar panels be installed? There are ground-based solar panel systems, like the one at Denver International Airport. Many other solar power systems are installed on rooftops – both of homes and commercial buildings. Why not along highways? Will we soon be driving along solar roadways?
In Idaho, a 45 mile section of a highway is currently being tested with solar panels installed onto the road surface. The obvious thinking behind this experiment is that solar roadways may efficiently generate power because they allow for generally unobstructed sunlight to strike the surface. All the roadways in the U.S. can supply the land area required for the country to replace other energy sources with clean, renewable solar power.
Solar Roadways is an Idaho-based company started by an electrical engineer, Scott Brusaw, after he found out that by covering just 1.7% of the country’s land surface in the Continental U.S. with PV panels, we could power the country’s entire energy demands with solar power. The innovative solar roadway creation includes the installation of a durable glass-based roadway surface in which photovoltaic panels will be wired directly into the grid. Solar roadways would also be heated during the winter by the system, melting ice and snow and increasing safety for drivers.
Leave dirty electricity behind!
Just how… er, “groundbreaking” is this development? Well, Mr. Brusaw projects that if all the tarmac in the U.S. was replaced with solar roadways, this country alone could generate enough solar energy to power the entire world! Finally, freeways that we don’t have to wring our hands about – despite getting stuck in unbearable traffic on them.
To determine if solar roadways can withstand the continued beating of traffic (particularly tractor-trailers), the stretch of road from Couer d’Alene to Sandpoint has been paved with the solar collectors. While there will definitely be naysayers about the viability of solar roadways, I expect that the experiment will be successful and that any adjustments that are required can be made.
The Gem State is not the only place in the world that is experimenting with solar roadways. In the United Kingdom, Astucia has developed LED-lit, solar-panel fit road studs that are already being credited with saving lives. One estimate is that installation of the small solar studs have reduced accidents by 70%. Just watch the following video:
Solar power is such an obvious choice for clean, renewable energy. As more people accept the idea of using solar panels to provide electricity, it is exciting to see where solar power innovation will lead…. I wonder what is around the next bend in the road?
Tags: Idaho, solar power, solar roadway
This is such an awesome idea! Solar panels in the highways. I’d say let’s go for it!
Hi Shayne – Thanks for visiting! I agree that solar panels on the highways sound perfect. Why not use the space efficiently?
Cheers, Stephanie
Is there any information about this subject in other languages?
this article is very interesting and wonderful informations. Thanks for the informations they are too helpful for this subject…
Solar Power for Houses
A basic solar installation from a retailer can take 30 years to pay back and cost you well over $20,000?
I just made my own solar panel. It was so simple and looks just like a bought panel.
I managed to build 4 solar panels for under $200! This Is Not A Joke!
i think solar roadways should be everywhere. i understand that they will be super expensive but they will start paying for themselves immediatly.
This is such an awesome idea! Solar panels in the highways. I’d say let’s go for it!