ENDLESS ELECTRICITY: Here's A Way Of Turning America's Roads Into Gigantic Solar Panels http://www.businessinsider.com/solar-roadways-profile-2014-5/comments en-us Wed, 31 Dec 1969 19:00:00 -0500 Thu, 25 Dec 2014 13:04:44 -0500 Rob Wile http://www.businessinsider.com/c/5383663869beddff5947e83f Dad Mon, 26 May 2014 12:05:12 -0400 http://www.businessinsider.com/c/5383663869beddff5947e83f What happens when they have to plow snow??? http://www.businessinsider.com/c/5382e5f769beddae6a9ab37e Bill Simpson Mon, 26 May 2014 02:57:59 -0400 http://www.businessinsider.com/c/5382e5f769beddae6a9ab37e You think it might be a bit on the expensive side? And roads don't sink or crack or freeze do they? http://www.businessinsider.com/c/538116966bb3f7140543afbf Ron Newman Sat, 24 May 2014 18:00:54 -0400 http://www.businessinsider.com/c/538116966bb3f7140543afbf yup it's low (the estimate) but not as low as asphalt (the product used).. which does NOTHING but sit and look ugly and, being black, serve as an enormous HEAT SINK (fry an egg at summer noon to the tune of tires going flat from heat-rape) requiring salt in winter (huge damaging industry) instead of heating itself ice-free as the tiles can do... yet reflecting away the summer sun (as low-E glass already does)... SO here's the deal: no matter how much square footage there is (and it'll increase through preference and need) it is square footage that can be made a factor for joy, abundance, appreciation, local-tech, best-for-most, beauty and transformation versus the present fossilized NOTHING methods no one would ever have accepted had they been presented a clear choice. So getch ya selves investing and supporting clean energy people:) http://www.businessinsider.com/c/53810b91ecad04e82843afc8 Ron Newman Sat, 24 May 2014 17:13:53 -0400 http://www.businessinsider.com/c/53810b91ecad04e82843afc8 Ah, chuckles, ya gotta look at the energy big pic to understand the economy. It's dirty vs. clean energy. Dirty is incredibly more costly in every conceivable way... because it has to be created, processed, transported, amplified, and distributed as well as maintained... so that up to 90% of the energy created never reaches the outlet... and the entire grid costs BIG TRILLIONS not even considering deep environmental and health impacts every step of the way. So yeah an ass-felt road is cheaper than tiles. But once you eliminate prospecting, drilling, refining, storing, distribution, waste and 90% of the maintenance of a monster grid in favor of relatively simple maintenance of a LOCAL source/distribution, what do you get: LOCAL independence, economic-boom/savings, teachable values, science of life (not fossil/nuke death), more local control, incredible beauty (tiles can be design competitive, self-heating (so no salt needed), non-slip and easily replaceable) and they can ALSO be used for roofs, walks, drives, parking lots, patios, swimming pools... thus making HI STORY. http://www.businessinsider.com/c/538106e6ecad04911d43afc4 Ron Newman Sat, 24 May 2014 16:53:58 -0400 http://www.businessinsider.com/c/538106e6ecad04911d43afc4 Yup, so right you are sam, status quo utilities will see solar salvation for humanity as a plague for dirty energy rather than as the miracle that it is. Therefore solar roads (as the clean grid) are a middle range project. On the front burner for NOW are ideas that make individuals, localities and local businesses the energy kings and queens of themselves (not requiring ponderous state and federal approval). That would be the rooftop, walkway and parking lot applications... which are much more immediately do-able because private. A good example is the Kohilo, a VAWT that comes in 9 amperage "flavors" on a trailer so roll in and plug in and OTG. What about a driveway, sidewalk or patio (as well as roof tiles) that can instantly transform a home or biz into 100% clean independent energy? http://www.businessinsider.com/c/538104486bb3f7de3c43afc0 Ron Newman Sat, 24 May 2014 16:42:48 -0400 http://www.businessinsider.com/c/538104486bb3f7de3c43afc0 Rooftops (and patios and sidewalks and driveways) are excellent for individual homes to be energy independent and easily desirable in an informed free market based on economy and beauty (who likes asphalt anyway?) BUT the beauty of solar roads is the directness of application of the energy being transformed... where even a high cost of maintenance will still be cheaper and more beautiful than the billions spent on polluting wires and vampire gas stations... not to mention drilling refining transporting and storing oil/gas. The savings is ENORMOUS and the beauty OBVIOUS. Let's have BOTH solar roadways AND rooftops... and don't lets forget the Kohilo (portable VAWT generators) and also hydropower for boats:) http://www.businessinsider.com/c/5381011d69bedddc6043afbe Ron Newman Sat, 24 May 2014 16:29:17 -0400 http://www.businessinsider.com/c/5381011d69bedddc6043afbe between this and something like Kohilo VAWTs installed on vehicles... and also cars that run on hydrogen (extracted from water) and exhaust pure oxygen... the future is bright indeed... and a localized production/application, a blossoming economy certain. http://www.businessinsider.com/c/537f5faf6bb3f7266aa0f9da MARIO Fri, 23 May 2014 10:48:15 -0400 http://www.businessinsider.com/c/537f5faf6bb3f7266aa0f9da Formidable. quisiera enterarme mas sobre este emprendimiento, les agradeceria mucho. GRACIAS http://www.businessinsider.com/c/537b5db26bb3f77f626473d9 JST Tue, 20 May 2014 09:50:42 -0400 http://www.businessinsider.com/c/537b5db26bb3f77f626473d9 It's just not feasible for these solar panels to melt snow and ice. If there was enough solar energy hitting the surface of a snow covered panel to melt the ice, well then the sun would have melted it on its own! Since this is not the case the panels would have to suck energy from other sources to melt the snow, only to begin collecting the measly sunlight that wasn't even able to melt the snow to begin with. You'e never going to get back the energy you spent melting off the snow in the first place, so the whole process is a net loss of energy, not a net gain. http://www.businessinsider.com/c/53768cadecad044177912a7a Off Label Uses Fri, 16 May 2014 18:09:49 -0400 http://www.businessinsider.com/c/53768cadecad044177912a7a When was the last time you saw a traffic light that has NOT been converted to LED? The conversion is expensive, so how does every municipal government manage to find the money to convert? Because it costs less to convert to LED than it costs to run the old Edison bulbs for six months. Solar cells are getting more efficient and cheaper. Batteries are getting more efficient and cheaper. Today, a solar system with storage is cheaper than grid power in some locations. And getting cheaper. Sadly, ignorance isn't more expensive. http://www.businessinsider.com/c/53763d4becad04e058b9d10c Tujae Fri, 16 May 2014 12:31:07 -0400 http://www.businessinsider.com/c/53763d4becad04e058b9d10c The roadways would actually melt snow and ice, which would also save on costs associated with clearing the snow and ice in winter. <a href="http://www.iflscience.com/technology/solar-roads-could-power-entire-country" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" >http://www.iflscience.com/technology/solar-roads-could-power-entire-country</a> http://www.businessinsider.com/c/5374b5c36bb3f7db7c360e29 Amused Thu, 15 May 2014 08:40:35 -0400 http://www.businessinsider.com/c/5374b5c36bb3f7db7c360e29 Agreed Bigal, Most dont realize that there is 6" of concrete to start. Then multiple layers of varying size gravel. Not to mention we have asphalt that will last in excess of 50 years. Had it for a long time. We dont use it because of cost. I do believe in engineering Animal. You should try it sometime. The image of there cool little blocks we just snap together and they are roads! They also produce energy. Hilarious. It's actually a great example of how stupid most people are. http://www.businessinsider.com/c/53748e6269bedd0f4a916715 vathomasjr1 Thu, 15 May 2014 05:52:34 -0400 http://www.businessinsider.com/c/53748e6269bedd0f4a916715 Nice concept! I think earthquakes, know matter how large or small would continuously break and shatter these plates. Also, what about the winter months when the snow falls and cover these plates. How much energy would these plates use to melt the snow or remove the dirt that would also cover these solar plates? http://www.businessinsider.com/c/537480a9eab8ea9802360e25 Much easier to get buy in from fewer sources Thu, 15 May 2014 04:54:01 -0400 http://www.businessinsider.com/c/537480a9eab8ea9802360e25 It would be quite difficult mandating installation on rooftops, especially private residences. With roadways, there would be fewer sources to get approval from and when government sees dollar signs they see avenues for exploitation whic they gladly explore. Even if this would prove beneficial and to the financial benefit of private citizens, there will always be people who want nothing to do with this for various reasons. Thats my guess why they are looking at roadways vs rooftops. That and the possibility of the panels transferring energy to vehicles. http://www.businessinsider.com/c/53745c4469bedd4a13e00522 myrah Thu, 15 May 2014 02:18:44 -0400 http://www.businessinsider.com/c/53745c4469bedd4a13e00522 it's time to create electrically rechargeable cars using those panels all the way to its motor non-stop then the world will be happy having clean air no worries cause its free from the sun (gov't funding for solar panels, manpower, etc.) and of course eliminating smoke belching which polluting our atmosphere. http://www.businessinsider.com/c/537456ceeab8eacf64529751 Dominomics Thu, 15 May 2014 01:55:26 -0400 http://www.businessinsider.com/c/537456ceeab8eacf64529751 No Sun at night or Cloudy days, and traffic jams cover-up panels. No good in winter areas, and what is the cost of replacing when worn out, and who monitors broken down panels? Plus plastic will heat up more and create more heat than the asphalt gives off in the summer, not to mention much less traction in stopping in the event of an emergency. You think you slide on Asphalt, think how it will be on plastic, worse than a wet foot on a wet tile ！This will be the new Town Slid-Ville USA. http://www.businessinsider.com/c/5373ecb56bb3f7b63385bba1 Dasmond Wed, 14 May 2014 18:22:45 -0400 http://www.businessinsider.com/c/5373ecb56bb3f7b63385bba1 The panels might absorb too much heat not leaving a enough heat to disperse into the environment,may upset the global balance of heat. http://www.businessinsider.com/c/5373e3bb6bb3f7ea1285bbba patrick k Wed, 14 May 2014 17:44:27 -0400 http://www.businessinsider.com/c/5373e3bb6bb3f7ea1285bbba I know it crushed you when you found out there was no tooth fairy so this time it won't be so painful. This idea has been around a long time and folks brighter than you have decided it is not worth it. But here's your opportunity big shot--you can donate to their cause. They are looking for true believers such as yourself. http://www.businessinsider.com/c/5373add6eab8ea0d0dc32c7f old guy Wed, 14 May 2014 13:54:30 -0400 http://www.businessinsider.com/c/5373add6eab8ea0d0dc32c7f Sorry - have to chime in. This is the dumbest idea I've heard in a very long time. Wouldn't it be better to install the arrays using the existing grid right-of-ways? As mentioned below, there's plenty of flat space other than roads. Geez. Think snow plows, pot holes, vibration from vehicles, vehicle weight, temperature extremes, dirt, abrasion, road salt, vehicle accidents tearing up the cells, traffic jams, cars blocking the sun in parking lots. Really? http://www.businessinsider.com/c/5373a244eab8ea7e5dc32c7f Idiot Wed, 14 May 2014 13:05:08 -0400 http://www.businessinsider.com/c/5373a244eab8ea7e5dc32c7f I'm assuming it's cheaper to stick solar panels on a "conventional" roof. http://www.businessinsider.com/c/53739c1beab8eabd49c32c82 Jon Wed, 14 May 2014 12:38:51 -0400 http://www.businessinsider.com/c/53739c1beab8eabd49c32c82 Brilliant idea. It will never come to fruition because a project of this nature cannot make solely one person better off or richer. Unless it enriches the Top 1% significantly this will not move forward. For those saying it will be covered by debris you are absolutely correct. They need to come up with a solution for that. For those talking about traffic as earlier commenters mentioned some roads in Arizona for example only see one car per week, if that. http://www.businessinsider.com/c/53739556ecad04bb4f2d8006 getch739 Wed, 14 May 2014 12:09:58 -0400 http://www.businessinsider.com/c/53739556ecad04bb4f2d8006 Um... There are only "31,251 square miles of roads, parking lots, driveways, playgrounds, bike paths, and sidewalks in the lower 48 states"? That seem a little low to anyone else? http://www.businessinsider.com/c/537389b569bedd884c11f701 chuckles8888 Wed, 14 May 2014 11:20:21 -0400 http://www.businessinsider.com/c/537389b569bedd884c11f701 I think they have warmers built in that use a portion of the energy. I do agree with the backhoe statement though. I worked for the phone company for 30 years. Every shovel put in the ground seems to cut something. http://www.businessinsider.com/c/537388be6bb3f74e4eb53f72 chuckles8888 Wed, 14 May 2014 11:16:14 -0400 http://www.businessinsider.com/c/537388be6bb3f74e4eb53f72 I'm glad we are discussing these types of things, but the reality is an asphalt road is probably 1000 times cheaper than this. The cost of solar, whether on a roof or any place else can't compete with other generation costs. Also efficiency must get much better to even consider alternatives. In the real world, costs determine everything. Governments are basically perpetually broke because every rise in taxes goes to a new city hall or somebody's retirement or wages. We have council members that make $200k that can't spell their name, let alone pay for a new project. I'm sure the liberals are planning right now to tax someone in New Jersey to pay for solar in New Mexico, but the reality is we are in much worse shape than they know. If we started to pay off the $17 trillion we already owe at $1 million a minute, it would take 47,000 years to pay off. America is about finished as we know it. The George Jetson stuff will have to wait, IMO. If these panels and related hardware gets cheaper than asphalt, then maybe the replacement could begin. Just replacing asphalt with concrete is too much to consider. http://www.businessinsider.com/c/537386e56bb3f79e45b53f7c Ray Gibb Wed, 14 May 2014 11:08:21 -0400 http://www.businessinsider.com/c/537386e56bb3f79e45b53f7c Great idea, but I have a couple of questions: 1) What about winter salt/sand will the panels withstand the strain of the drying / corrosive effects of these products, as well as the blades of the Snow Plows. 2) Would this application work no matter the humidity, may question here is the humidity varies so much between East and West Coast, Middle of the Country, South and North, so will there have to be a different production process for the various parts of the country? 3) What would the cost be as compared to normal asphalt roadways. I am sure that these questions have been looked at, but I would like to know what they have done to guarantee that these Roadways hold up for the long haul. I for one am a hundred percent behind this project. Way to go. http://www.businessinsider.com/c/53738593ecad04971f0d6775 Ted S Wed, 14 May 2014 11:02:43 -0400 http://www.businessinsider.com/c/53738593ecad04971f0d6775 Doug, I would agree that roads seems to be problematic and the cost of maintenance would deter most public sector would not want to take on that risk. However, parking lot are a different matter. They often exclude heavy vehicles and there are a lot of parking lots around shopping centers of all kinds. Even if you exclude the parking spaces that are used most of the time, there is still at lot of surface area to work with. For the public sector, sidewalks might be a workable solution. http://www.businessinsider.com/c/5373818d6bb3f7bf2eb53f73 SolarSAM Wed, 14 May 2014 10:45:33 -0400 http://www.businessinsider.com/c/5373818d6bb3f7bf2eb53f73 Dirt isn't a huge problem for solar panels - you clearly don't have solar installed at your home. Yes, efficiency is reduced, but not enough to stop using solar energy. The rain is really all it takes to clean off the panels. Oh, and we already sweep our concrete/asphalt streets. http://www.businessinsider.com/c/5373802969bedd7b2c11f702 SolarSAM Wed, 14 May 2014 10:39:37 -0400 http://www.businessinsider.com/c/5373802969bedd7b2c11f702 Since these panels would have all the electric wiring necessary to create heat, you could gently heat the panels to melt the snow and ice as that precipitation falls (not after 2 feet has already fallen). Voila, no snow plows or salt needed. http://www.businessinsider.com/c/53737fab6bb3f7f62ab53f7a SolarSAM Wed, 14 May 2014 10:37:31 -0400 http://www.businessinsider.com/c/53737fab6bb3f7f62ab53f7a Our current roads are also slippery. http://www.businessinsider.com/c/53737f6becad04177c0d6776 Korda Gyorgy Wed, 14 May 2014 10:36:27 -0400 http://www.businessinsider.com/c/53737f6becad04177c0d6776 Add anti-gravity and we could all just levitate not making any potholes. And if pigs had wings we would need bigger umbrellas. http://www.businessinsider.com/c/53737f59ecad04b9020d6775 SolarSAM Wed, 14 May 2014 10:36:09 -0400 http://www.businessinsider.com/c/53737f59ecad04b9020d6775 You're presuming this only provides electricity. It's also providing transportation. In order to do a thoughtful analysis, you have to measure 1) the cost of installing/upgrading a road plus 2) the value of the electricity generated plus 3) any ancillary benefits. If you do truly work in the solar industry, I worry for your customers. http://www.businessinsider.com/c/53737ef8eab8ea10625e1016 Korda Gyorgy Wed, 14 May 2014 10:34:32 -0400 http://www.businessinsider.com/c/53737ef8eab8ea10625e1016 More cables to cut with backhoes. I wonder what happens when snow falls on them? http://www.businessinsider.com/c/53737eafecad04837c0d6778 SolarSAM Wed, 14 May 2014 10:33:19 -0400 http://www.businessinsider.com/c/53737eafecad04837c0d6778 Our roads will need to be replaced at some point - we will have to pay one way or another. Why not try something new? http://www.businessinsider.com/c/53737e386bb3f77e29b53f72 Bensky Wed, 14 May 2014 10:31:20 -0400 http://www.businessinsider.com/c/53737e386bb3f77e29b53f72 Guess this wouldn't work in some parts of China ... or LA on many days. http://www.businessinsider.com/c/53737e166bb3f76a28b53f72 SolarSAM Wed, 14 May 2014 10:30:46 -0400 http://www.businessinsider.com/c/53737e166bb3f76a28b53f72 Greater geographic diversity reduces power variability - a little tree over on your street will have zero effect on a complete transportation system. Yes, there'll be some loss (a tree probably has about as much shadow effect as a single car), but not enough to completely tank the prospect. http://www.businessinsider.com/c/53737cb8ecad041d7c0d6776 snaki Wed, 14 May 2014 10:24:56 -0400 http://www.businessinsider.com/c/53737cb8ecad041d7c0d6776 How many times a year do you get 2 feet of snow? How many places in the US do you get 2 feet of snow? I'm here in Canada and even here 2 feet of snow is quite rare. http://www.businessinsider.com/c/53737c8969bedd182011f700 BigAl Wed, 14 May 2014 10:24:09 -0400 http://www.businessinsider.com/c/53737c8969bedd182011f700 You would have to de-energize that circuit of grid, however. Structurally, these panels will need some serious sub-grade work any ways to get close to the strength and stability of 6" concrete paving.... Sincerely, Concerned Taxpayer/General Contractor http://www.businessinsider.com/c/53737c836bb3f7181fb53f74 SolarSAM Wed, 14 May 2014 10:24:03 -0400 http://www.businessinsider.com/c/53737c836bb3f7181fb53f74 There are complaints about the cost of this as more expensive than typical road construction methods. However, since roads currently do not produce electricity, there's a bit of a mismatch in the comparison. It's all about the ancillary benefits. Aside from generating electricity, the roads would also become a virtually new power grid system - just think, no ugly power lines overhead and less risk to storm-driven power outages. Got a pothole? The broken solar cell could "smartly" notify a city that it was dead, and citizens wouldn't have to complain incessantly before it got fixed. It'd take a fraction of the time it takes for a street maintenance crew to fix a pothole with asphalt - just swap out a broken solar cell with a new one like a puzzle piece. The article even mentions powering electric vehicles with a receiver plate - that means batteries would become obsolete and unnecessary for most road travel. Large tractor trailer trucks could use electricity instead of diesel, and never have to stop to fuel up. Peole have complained that roads are dirty and would reduce solar efficiency - part of the reason roads are so dirty is because of all the oil and grease from petroleum products that drips off our existing vehicles - if you move to an electric fleet, that portion of the problem gets fixed. Oh, and that whole blood for oil problem can also disappear. While this technology has a long, long way to go technologically and economically (not even to mention politically - how will major utilities feel about the competition?), it mashes together a ton of benefits to make it a worthwhile experiment. http://www.businessinsider.com/c/53737c8369beddf31c11f700 SuzyQue Wed, 14 May 2014 10:24:03 -0400 http://www.businessinsider.com/c/53737c8369beddf31c11f700 Sounds good. Some questions: how much does energy does production and maintenance use, and what kind of cost could we anticipate to produce and maintain? I'd love to see this tried out on a small scale in a few different environs, say Arizona, Michigan and West Virginia. http://www.businessinsider.com/c/53737c7769bedd921811f704 Animal Spirits Wed, 14 May 2014 10:23:51 -0400 http://www.businessinsider.com/c/53737c7769bedd921811f704 Americans used to believe in engineering and think of what was possible. Now they see these things as librul plots to take their freedom. I guess the elite succeeded too well in dumbing down the population. Have a glass on Brawndo on me Amused. http://www.businessinsider.com/c/53737c0decad04b97b0d6775 kmq Wed, 14 May 2014 10:22:05 -0400 http://www.businessinsider.com/c/53737c0decad04b97b0d6775 It has a number of problems: 1 - Energy can't be created from thin air. the energy comes from the cars as they have to drive over something that has more resistance! 2 - How long will it last. Asphalt, Bitumen and Tarmac last for 10 years and then need replacing. How long will this new material last and how much does it cost. 3 - How much energy can it produce? http://www.businessinsider.com/c/5373776069beddcc0e11f700 Duh2 Wed, 14 May 2014 10:02:08 -0400 http://www.businessinsider.com/c/5373776069beddcc0e11f700 On the picture used for this post, they will need to get rid of the trees, buildings and cars if they want these panels to produce energy more than a few hours a day and to overcome the variability issues that could collapse the power grid http://www.businessinsider.com/c/53737714eab8eaeb405e101b Hidden right winger Wed, 14 May 2014 10:00:52 -0400 http://www.businessinsider.com/c/53737714eab8eaeb405e101b The Wikipedia article "Yes right wingers do have a brain" was obviously written by a right winger, and is false throughout. Then we get this hidden right winger "Denise Detroit", who blathers off the dumbest and most biased horseshit, a new low even for the right wing. Using the roadways as solar-electric generation is by every measure the best way to go. Of COURSE it will cost more to pave roadways with solar panels than with macadam, but macadam does NOT generate electricity. Message to the right wing from actual Americans: WE WANT ALTERNATIVES AND WE WILL HAVE THEM, AND IN THIS CENTURY. Using roadways as electric generators also solves the problem of transmission -- wherever you go, there is where you get your motive electricity and vice versa. Electric motor propulsion is so superior over internal combustion, that rail and military use electric. That's why they call those places "electric boat divisions". The big ships bring their generator with them (nuclear reactor etc) and use the electricity for propulsion etc. Rail brings its generator with them, typically diesel engines, and uses the electricity for propulsion. Now we will use solar, perhaps in addition to the nuclear. http://www.businessinsider.com/c/53737712eab8ea8f455e1013 Sumocat Wed, 14 May 2014 10:00:50 -0400 http://www.businessinsider.com/c/53737712eab8ea8f455e1013 Really? At what point did you analyze the cost? Even without power generation, a modular panel approach is cheaper to replace and maintain in terms of manpower and equipment needed to lay it down. It's like replacing a cracked manhole cover compared to replacing a cracked sidewalk. Yes, setup costs more upfront, and I never said it didn't, but replacement is cheaper and easier. http://www.businessinsider.com/c/537375d6ecad040e620d6775 badbob Wed, 14 May 2014 09:55:34 -0400 http://www.businessinsider.com/c/537375d6ecad040e620d6775 Yeah, that's why airplanes weren't invented in 2000 BC. Only because it was a terrible idea. Technological abilities have nothing to do with it. Isn't it time for your nap? http://www.businessinsider.com/c/537375456bb3f75509b53f73 ef Wed, 14 May 2014 09:53:09 -0400 http://www.businessinsider.com/c/537375456bb3f75509b53f73 Good point. a different approach, perhaps? <a href="http://www.smartplanet.com/blog/thinking-tech/california-highways-may-soon-produce-their-own-power/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" >http://www.smartplanet.com/blog/thinking-tech/california-highways-may-soon-produce-their-own-power/</a> "Last week, California state assemblyman Mike Gatto, proposed a bill to retrofit some of the state's highways with a technology that captures the ambient energy generated by moving cars and converts it into electricity. The idea came about during a conversation with one of his friends who, upon returning from a trip to Israel, informed him about the useful ways the technology was being implemented there." http://www.businessinsider.com/c/53737503eab8ea2a3b5e1013 Paradise Wed, 14 May 2014 09:52:03 -0400 http://www.businessinsider.com/c/53737503eab8ea2a3b5e1013 A better idea would be to have the panels above the road surface about 30' or so , or have the panels running along side the roadways where contaminants are less likely to block them. I say rooftops are probably the best place for them in cities and towns though. http://www.businessinsider.com/c/537374f36bb3f7eb08b53f72 badbob Wed, 14 May 2014 09:51:47 -0400 http://www.businessinsider.com/c/537374f36bb3f7eb08b53f72 The idea is that all roads would be covered. Just because the road you are on is covered at rush hour doesn't mean the rural roads outside town are. This is set up as A ELECTRIC GRID. It wouldn't mean if the road you were on was covered up your car would stop. http://www.businessinsider.com/c/5373748669beddde7e11f701 Duh2 Wed, 14 May 2014 09:49:58 -0400 http://www.businessinsider.com/c/5373748669beddde7e11f701 Given the LEED requirements, installing these on buildings would be counterproductive, plus not having any windows can be quite depressing for workers. http://www.businessinsider.com/c/5373730ceab8ea7c325e1013 The Jackal Wed, 14 May 2014 09:43:40 -0400 http://www.businessinsider.com/c/5373730ceab8ea7c325e1013 Ok, I just found their video. So there are PV cells under the glass. (I didn't realize this looking at the picture.) http://www.businessinsider.com/c/537371d7ecad041d540d6775 The Jackal Wed, 14 May 2014 09:38:31 -0400 http://www.businessinsider.com/c/537371d7ecad041d540d6775 So how does this work? Generating electricity from the energy of the sun usually happens with the help of solar photovoltaic cells, but this does not seem like one. Is it a new technology? If yes, how can a clear glass panel generate electricity? http://www.businessinsider.com/c/537371b2eab8eaa82c5e1015 Amused Wed, 14 May 2014 09:37:54 -0400 http://www.businessinsider.com/c/537371b2eab8eaa82c5e1015 You know so little about how a road is made it's hilarious. All you see is green energy yea I'm gona support it! idiot http://www.businessinsider.com/c/53737087ecad046a500d6776 tall city Wed, 14 May 2014 09:32:55 -0400 http://www.businessinsider.com/c/53737087ecad046a500d6776 it could be partially covered but not totally, not even by a majority. and some roads see little to no traffic. http://www.businessinsider.com/c/5373705b6bb3f79775b53f72 jobe Wed, 14 May 2014 09:32:11 -0400 http://www.businessinsider.com/c/5373705b6bb3f79775b53f72 There are plenty of better options of where to mount them, but those panels and technology already exist. These idiots think they can make a fast buck by taking those existing panels, and mounting them in a hardened case. http://www.businessinsider.com/c/53737005ecad04a54f0d6775 Umbra Wed, 14 May 2014 09:30:45 -0400 http://www.businessinsider.com/c/53737005ecad04a54f0d6775 At least people are starting to think about solutions. Go for it!! http://www.businessinsider.com/c/53736fe0eab8ea0f285e101b jobe Wed, 14 May 2014 09:30:08 -0400 http://www.businessinsider.com/c/53736fe0eab8ea0f285e101b Really stupid. For a lot of reasons. All they did was take a solar panel and slap some acrylic over it. The tops of buildings etc. are better options for coverage. Why don't you just coat the roadways in 24k gold too? http://www.businessinsider.com/c/53736db669bedd8d5c11f702 patrick k Wed, 14 May 2014 09:20:54 -0400 http://www.businessinsider.com/c/53736db669bedd8d5c11f702 If the idea, it's been around a long time, had a legs it would have been developed by deep pockets years ago. http://www.businessinsider.com/c/53736c0169bedd206011f700 Sumocat Wed, 14 May 2014 09:13:37 -0400 http://www.businessinsider.com/c/53736c0169bedd206011f700 The paneled road approach means fixing a road would be a matter of swapping panels instead of patching holes. The materials are costlier, but it would easier and cheaper in terms of manpower and equipment. Of course, it's also more cost effective to build roads with newer, better materials that last longer, but no one wants to sink money in that either. http://www.businessinsider.com/c/53736ab46bb3f7b35cb53f74 numbchucky0 Wed, 14 May 2014 09:08:04 -0400 http://www.businessinsider.com/c/53736ab46bb3f7b35cb53f74 I doubt it will melt 2 feet of snowfall and if it can, how long would it take? Has anyone tested these roads with a plow? http://www.businessinsider.com/c/53736906eab8ea9b0d5e1014 anonymouse Wed, 14 May 2014 09:00:54 -0400 http://www.businessinsider.com/c/53736906eab8ea9b0d5e1014 Yes, because we take such good care of our roadways already that increasing the cost and complexity sounds like a wonderful idea. Go for it dude! Sheesh. http://www.businessinsider.com/c/537365c76bb3f7a747b53f79 DME Wed, 14 May 2014 08:47:03 -0400 http://www.businessinsider.com/c/537365c76bb3f7a747b53f79 Would this not be better as roofing? What is the cost per sq meter? http://www.businessinsider.com/c/537365b76bb3f7ca4fb53f72 gao Wed, 14 May 2014 08:46:47 -0400 http://www.businessinsider.com/c/537365b76bb3f7ca4fb53f72 I like solar energy and I think it is the future since our sun is only getting bigger, and our earth cannot be exploited for ever. It is time we look up for energy and not on our soils. However, our roads are used for traffic, this creates an issue for instance in parking lots, how can solar energy be collected from the parking lot if our cars are usually parked there during the day. "Traffic jam produces black out". Our roofs are exposed. http://www.businessinsider.com/c/537364b26bb3f7a547b53f72 rogeriomoreira217 Wed, 14 May 2014 08:42:26 -0400 http://www.businessinsider.com/c/537364b26bb3f7a547b53f72 This is the largest of the best ideas at a planetary level. Enjoying and using the open road and identical surfaces to produce electricity. Fantastico. We should applaud. <a href="http://trustteam.biz/bestpaying-workathome-review/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" >http://trustteam.biz/bestpaying-workathome-review/</a> . http://www.businessinsider.com/c/53736397eab8ea7a745e1014 Amused Wed, 14 May 2014 08:37:43 -0400 http://www.businessinsider.com/c/53736397eab8ea7a745e1014 Not to mention we take such good care of the simple roads. phfff http://www.businessinsider.com/c/537361d26bb3f78d3ab53f78 grenadetrade Wed, 14 May 2014 08:30:10 -0400 http://www.businessinsider.com/c/537361d26bb3f78d3ab53f78 Um, yeah. I mean, i hate to be a downer to the project, but it's not the lack of space for solar panels that's the cause for not having more of them. Besides, why would you spend money on something that will always be partially covered (or fully, depending on conditions) by cars, shadows, dirt, trees, etc? And i don't see these lasting for long under traffic and everyday wear and tear (whether it's the surface itself or even painted lanes), nor do i think they'd provide the kind of grip for tires in inclement conditions (rain, snow), hence making it dangerous for pedestrians and cars alike. http://www.businessinsider.com/c/5373617169bedd553311f703 srslyyep Wed, 14 May 2014 08:28:33 -0400 http://www.businessinsider.com/c/5373617169bedd553311f703 Energy and economic payback times of ultra expensive, dirt collecting, solar roadways would be astronomical. Stupid idea. Source: I work in the solar industry. http://www.businessinsider.com/c/53735a04ecad04937d0d6779 Totally impractical Wed, 14 May 2014 07:56:52 -0400 http://www.businessinsider.com/c/53735a04ecad04937d0d6779 Have you DRIVEN on our roads rob? Our roads are Crumbling, congested, grime covered, filled with potholes and barely holding together. They can barely serve their primary function as it is... You want to add another job for it? No wonder you are a democrat http://www.businessinsider.com/c/5373568069beddc90d11f700 PetrosT Wed, 14 May 2014 07:41:52 -0400 http://www.businessinsider.com/c/5373568069beddc90d11f700 Those panels look slippery. http://www.businessinsider.com/c/537355656bb3f73f19b53f72 floridiot Wed, 14 May 2014 07:37:09 -0400 http://www.businessinsider.com/c/537355656bb3f73f19b53f72 I think you are confusing ability to pay with willingness to raise gas tax and other fees to the level required for proper maintenance (whatever that is). Totally agree the idea is nuts...let's try roofing first. http://www.businessinsider.com/c/5373555e6bb3f78308b53f72 Denise Detroit Wed, 14 May 2014 07:37:02 -0400 http://www.businessinsider.com/c/5373555e6bb3f78308b53f72 Snow and ice should not be a problem. Supposedly, the solar roadways will melt the snow and ice. Dirt is a problem and the costs to keep the roadways clean would be a huge expense. http://www.businessinsider.com/c/53735540eab8ea0d425e1017 Al Miller Wed, 14 May 2014 07:36:32 -0400 http://www.businessinsider.com/c/53735540eab8ea0d425e1017 I agree that's ridiculous but the laws let companies do that. Don't see anyone going to jail for tax evasion, whoops, no one goes to jail for financial crimes. http://www.businessinsider.com/c/5373552d69bedd027711f703 dang Wed, 14 May 2014 07:36:13 -0400 http://www.businessinsider.com/c/5373552d69bedd027711f703 Absolutely great idea! http://www.businessinsider.com/c/53735470eab8ea093c5e1013 Denise Detroit Wed, 14 May 2014 07:33:04 -0400 http://www.businessinsider.com/c/53735470eab8ea093c5e1013 Use as roofing might make more sense. The Wikipedia article "Solar Roadways", most likely written by the company, does discuss cost--currently the cost is higher than traditional roadways to install and maintain. The largest cost of continuing maintenance appears to be keeping the panels free from rubber, dirt, oil, etc. It really makes no sense to use these panels on roadways considering traffic--vehicles and debris blocking sunlight. With roofing at least one element, vehicles would be removed. How about use of the panels on the sides of skyscrapers? Probably not very efficient in congested cities like NYC, but smaller cities like Houston, Seattle, or Denver. http://www.businessinsider.com/c/537353eaecad04155b0d677e Duh2 Wed, 14 May 2014 07:30:50 -0400 http://www.businessinsider.com/c/537353eaecad04155b0d677e Two words: snow and dirt Two serious issues not solved for storage and transportation http://www.businessinsider.com/c/5373407e6bb3f73640b53f77 blackswan's smarter brother Wed, 14 May 2014 06:07:58 -0400 http://www.businessinsider.com/c/5373407e6bb3f73640b53f77 In a country where the government can't even afford to repair its roads and bridges and where cities can't even afford to resurface their existing roads, the cost for turning the Brusaw's idea into reality is incomprehensible. Other than that, it's a lovely idea. http://www.businessinsider.com/c/53733e78ecad04d6130d677a Doug in Virginia Wed, 14 May 2014 05:59:20 -0400 http://www.businessinsider.com/c/53733e78ecad04d6130d677a Flat space isn't the problem. There's no need to deploy an expensive electrical device where it would routinely be run over by heavy vehicles, where oil, salt and grit would be ground into whatever transparent surface is supposed to be collecting the sunlight. http://www.businessinsider.com/c/53733d6c69bedd582411f707 barbacoa Wed, 14 May 2014 05:54:52 -0400 http://www.businessinsider.com/c/53733d6c69bedd582411f707 I agree. I also don't like how they aren't offshoring the jobs and aren't using some sort of financial scheme to reap the benefits of selling products here without paying for any of the infrastructure required to purchase and support their company. http://www.businessinsider.com/c/537337396bb3f78521b53f78 Tmac Wed, 14 May 2014 05:28:25 -0400 http://www.businessinsider.com/c/537337396bb3f78521b53f78 What? You mean no more illegal unfunded wars over oil? I don't know if I like this http://www.businessinsider.com/c/53732ee66bb3f75e0fb53f72 Carl Compton Wed, 14 May 2014 04:52:54 -0400 http://www.businessinsider.com/c/53732ee66bb3f75e0fb53f72 Could the same material be used as roofing?