solar highways

ROAD TO EVERYWHERE: SOLAR ROADWAYS

By Miriam Raftery

Sierra Robinson also contributed to this report

June 21, 2012 (San Diego’s East County) – it sounds like a vision out of Utopia. Imagine driving on highways and streets made of glass—12-x12 foot solar panels that produce electricity and ultimately, recharge your solar-powered car as you drive. 

No need for power lines or power plants anymore, since roads and driveways will actually deliver electricity straight to your doorstep.

Sound impossible? Think again.  The Federal Highway Administration issued a contract to Solar Roadways, brainchild of Idaho electrical engineer Scott Brusaw, to build the first ever solar Road Panel prototype in 2009. In 2011, a contract to build a solar parking lot was issued--with completion due this September

But a solar roadway can do much more than produce power--and the potential is enlightening.


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