solar powered roadways by scott brusaw
american electrical engineer scott brusaw has developed a system of solar powered roads as an initiative to change the face of national highways. his project ‘solar roadways’ aims to re-purpose existing concrete and asphalt surfaces that are exposed to the sun with solar road panels. he is currently introducing the technology in driveways, bike paths, patios, sidewalks, parking lots, playgrounds, before integrating them onto public roads. aside from providing sustainable transportation solutions, the concept will provide socio-economic advantages in all aspects of daily life. the roads are capable of directly inputting energy into the power-grid through photovoltaics, which if realized, could power an entire country from the generated electricity. since our current power grid is based on centralized power stations, and distribution is handled through transmission lines and relay stations, the ‘solar roadways’ would replace coal- and nuclear-powered electricity generation plants by transforming the road into a self-contained energy source.
in a future filled with electric vehicles and this new technology, cars will be able to virtually recharge anywhere and small businesses would profit and benefit by going off the grid — eliminating a monthly electricity bill, and attracting customers through the installation of EV charging stations. the intelligent road system will provide a clean form of renewable energy, while implementing safer driving conditions along with power and data delivery.
‘solar roadways’ video
top: winter without solar roads, bottom; winter with solar roads
