By Liam B.
Solar Roads
Transportation defines our way of life: how far we can travel and how quickly we can get there. But how much innovation has really occurred in the transportation industry in recent years? A leap in the technology of our roads could not only make transportation using electric cars more efficient but also generate enough electricity to satisfy global demand. The creation of solar roads could save Earth from ever increasing emissions of fossil fuels. Solar roads can be created using a series of interlocking hexagonal solar panels set into the ground. They serve to produce power and provide a method of transportation.
These panels are far easier to replace then standard asphalt roads. An individual broken panel can be taken from the road and replaced with a functional one. The panels are also heated to a temperature sufficient enough to keep snow and ice from blocking up roads. This means that no plowing is necessary to keep roads clear, which saves tax money. The road would be equipped with lights that would cause two improvements. Driving at night would be much safer because the road could light up ahead of you. Also, the lights could create parking spaces or crosswalks, eliminating the necessity of painting such symbols on the ground. Pressure sensors can determine if any large debris is blocking the road or if an animal is crossing. These sensors then interact with the lights to flash warning symbols in front of the driver. The foundation of the roads can be built out of broken glass and other trash. This allows us to reuse old material and slow landfill growth.
Solar roads have a channel on each side. One is used for electronic cables, eliminating telephone poles that can be damaged and cause power outages. The other channel collects runoff and takes it to a treatment facility, greatly decreasing the amount of polluted water in lakes, rivers, and streams. The conversion from traditional asphalt to solar roads would create thousands of jobs in manufacturing and construction. The creation of energy results in solar roads paying for themselves several times over. It is estimated by solarroadways.com that if each road in the United States was replaced by a solar road, then about 3 times the amount of energy currently used in the United States would be generated.
Two prototypes have already been created and funded by the National Highway Association. The roads have passed and far exceeded several national safety tests. It would be fantastic if these panels could be ready for the assembly line. Unfortunately, several problems occurred with the design. Only about 70% of the surface of each panel absorbs solar power. In addition, the amount of time and money associated with this project would be massive.
One of the biggest problems associated with solar roads is the astronomical cost. To replace even a small percentage of roads in the United States, much more money than the government could provide would be needed.
It is possible that this simple piece of technology will resolve global demands for power and environmental issues as well. The runoff channel and clean energy source would help with both air and water pollution. This technology is not simply a dream for the distant future, but a concept that could be made a reality sooner then most people dared to hope.