There's one thing that we can all agree on: Energy costs are high. Whether it's gas, electricity, or some combination of the two, we pay a premium to stay cool, keep warm, and to just simply get around. Wouldn't it be great if there was an energy source that essentially paid for itself? Using the plentiful, and almost limitless power of the sun, Solar Roadways might just be the solution to all of our energy-saving woes.

THREE TIMES THE POWER

Solar Roadways were invented by Scott and Julie Brusaw in 2006. With a contract provided by the Federal Highway Administration, they were able to complete their first road panel prototype in 2010. Following the success of the Phase 1 Prototype, a parking lot prototype was produced in 2014.

According to Scott Brusaw, asphalt (which is heavily petroleum-based) is becoming more and more expensive by the year. As our supplies of fossil fuels diminish, quotes for a ton of liquid asphalt can be as high as a $1,000 or more. Needless to say, this current model isn't the most sustainable or cost-effective. Moreover, asphalt roads absorb the sun's heat, but do little in the way of making use of all of that energy.

Beneath the tempered glass, the support structure of Solar Roadways is composed of trash and other organic material. These components are largely renewable, and utilize waste from land fills and the ocean that would otherwise be nothing more than pollutants. As the name implies, Solar Roadways are solar panels, so unlike asphalt, they can be used to power everything from electric cars to homes. If all roadways in the lower 48 states were converted to solar panels, scientists estimate that the panels would produce nearly three times the amount of energy that we currently use. With such an abundance of power, fuel and utility costs would become considerably more affordable.

SAFETY BENEFITS

Driving on wintry roads is at best aggravating, and at worst, dangerous. Solar Roadways are able to reduce many of the perils associated with snow and ice. The panels are heated just a few degrees above freezing, which means that roads and driveways can remain clear and serviceable. As a result, snow removal expenses would decrease, and homeowners and building staff alike, would be relieved from the headache of shoveling. Additionally, with no need for corrosive salt, the need to patch up pot holes also disappears.

Have you ever had trouble seeing the road at night? Solar Roadways light the way with LEDs that are able to form lane markers, parking lot designations, and even recreational playing fields such as basketball courts. Sometimes, there are sudden obstructions that appear out of nowhere: a fallen tree, an animal, a pedestrian. Fortunately, the panels can detect these obstructions, and caution the driver to slow down by displaying a warning message through the LEDs.

One road hazard that we often don't think of is a fixture that we see everyday: power lines. If these are damaged or toppled by a storm, they can cause blackouts and host of other nasty problems. The two-channel, cable corridors of Solar Roadways offer protection against these types of issues; after all, telephone poles and power lines can't fall over if they are not built in the first place. Running below the surface of the roadway, one channel houses power cables, fiber optics, and high speed internet, while the other channel collects stormwater runoff, which is either treated on site or sent to a treatment facility.

BOTTOM LINE

Solar Roadways offer a clean and renewable source of energy, a reduced dependency on foreign oil, and safer road conditions. Not to mention, they stand to give the economy a healthy boost by generating an assortment of new jobs. The movement is still in its infancy, and will need support in terms of both labor and funding to expand. However, it's comforting to know that our love for the open road, and need for energy efficiency can peacefully coexist.

Categories: Green