US DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AWARDS $100,000 RESEARCH CONTRACT TO SOLAR ROADWAYS
Funds intelligent roads and parking lots
Solar Roadways has recently announced that it has been awarded a DOT contract that will enable them to prototype the first ever Solar Road Panel.
The Solar Roadways will collect solar energy to power businesses and homes via structurally-engineered solar panels that are driven upon, to be placed in parking lots and roadways in lieu of petroleum-based asphalt surfaces.
The Solar Road Panels will contain embedded LEDs which "paint" the road lines from beneath to provide safer nighttime driving, as well as to give up to the minute instructions (via the road) to drivers (i.e. "detour ahead"). The road will be able to sense wildlife on the road and can warn drivers to "slow down". There will also be embedded heating elements in the surface to prevent snow and ice buildup, providing for safer winter driving. This feature packed system will become an intelligent highway that will double as a secure, intelligent, decentralized, self-healing power grid which will enable a gradual weaning from fossil fuels.
Replacing asphalt roads and parking lots with Solar Roadway panels will be a major step toward halting climate change. Fully electric vehicles will be able to recharge along the roadway and in parking lots, finally making electric cars practical for long trips.
It is estimated that is will take roughly five billion (a stimulus package in itself) 12′ by 12′ Solar Road Panels to cover the asphalt surfaces in the U.S. alone, allowing us to produce three times more power than we’ve ever used as a nation – almost enough to power the entire world.

1. UNI-SOLAR(R) Brand Photovoltaics to Power New Residential Solar Roof Pilot Program With NJR Home Services

   United Solar, a leading global manufacturer of building-integrated and rooftop photovoltaics under its UNI-SOLAR® brand – and a wholly-owned subsidiary...

2. Most Helpful Photovoltaics And Solar Energy Books

   Based on the sales and reviews of books about solar energy and photovoltaics I am posting a list of the...

3. First Solar and juwi solar Sponsor Road Cycling Team

   Two of North America’s premier solar companies — First Solar Inc. (Nasdaq: FSLR) and juwi solar Inc. — are co-sponsoring...

4. Solar Generation USA Road Trip Shows Solar Working for America Today

   The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA®) has unveiled a new campaign to educate the public on the benefits of clean...

One Response to “SOLAR ROADWAYS – Photovoltaics on The Road”

1. Debbie Wilson says:

   March 14, 2010 at 12:25 am

   We are planning on re-asphalting our parking lot.
   We are interested in a solar parking lot. Is this technology available in Toronto, Canada?