Research and innovation in alternative energy is needed for sustainable development around the world. The US intends to take one such unique step by conserving and utilising solar energy. The Sagle, Idaho-based startup Solar Roadways has recently received a $100,000 grant from the US Department of Transportation (DOT) to turn highways into energy-generating solar panels.

The company will use the money to build a prototype of its Solar Road Panel, made from solar cells and glass that is meant to replace petroleum-based asphalt on roads and in parking lots.

The 12- x 12-foot panels cost $6,900 each and need to be embedded into roads. When shined upon, each panel generates an estimated 7.6 kilowatt hours of power each day. If this electricity could be pumped into the grid, the company predicts that a four-lane, one-mile stretch of road with panels could generate enough power for 500 homes. Although it would be expensive, covering the entire US interstate highway system with the panels could theoretically fulfill the country’s total energy needs. The company estimates that this would take 5 billion panels, but could “produce three times more power than ever used as a nation – almost enough to power the entire world.”

The Solar Road Panels also contain embedded LED lights that highlight the road lines from beneath to provide safer night-time driving. The LEDs could also be programmed to alert drivers of detours or road construction ahead, and can even sense wildlife on the road and warn drivers to slow down. The roads could also contain embedded heating elements in the surface to prevent snow and ice from building up on the road. Further, in the future, fully electric vehicles could recharge along the roadway and in parking lots, making electric cars practical for long trips

While the concept looks good on paper, we still need to test its practicality. For one will the panels be sturdy enough to bear the pressure? We also need to calculate the cost and practicality of renovations since roads need resurfacing every few years. Is this really the most cost effective solution we can have? Will there be any security issues? And maybe we should look for places other than the over used roads to embed solar panels.

While making this progressive switch, we must keep the environment in mind and try to figure out solutions to conserve energy rather than constantly generate more.

Via physorg