How Solar-Powered Highways Function

Today, solar panels, or photovoltaic cells, are virtually everywhere. They're installed on the roofs of homes, reducing electricity costs. Some cars are even equipped with them—like the 2019 Toyota Prius Prime, which features solar panels on the roof, hood, and rear hatch. These panels provide up to 27.6 miles (44.4 kilometers) of daily electric power, according to Green Car Reports. Additionally, two European companies are planning to introduce solar-assisted vehicles.

A few experts have suggested that if we cover a vast area with solar panels, we could capture enough sunlight to power entire cities and solve the energy crisis. But the challenge lies in finding the space for them. It's not practical to cover the countryside with panels. Or is it?

What Are Solar-Powered Roadways?

The U.S. boasts a vast network of roads across the country. Why not install solar panels along these roads as sound barriers? Or take it a step further—what if the roads themselves were made from solar panels? This idea has already been brought to life.

A solar roadway is made up of individual solar panels that feature three layers: a durable, textured glass surface for vehicle traction, an array of solar cells underneath to capture energy, and a base plate that distributes the harvested power, according to Solar Roadways.

These panels do more than just collect solar energy. They also include LED lights, powered by the sun, which can serve as road and warning signs integrated into the road itself. Additionally, the panels can use the collected heat to melt snow and ice on the road surface.

How Practical Are Solar Roadways?

While several companies across different countries have explored the concept of solar roads, many of the early concerns surrounding them have proven to be valid. For instance, flat solar road panels are not as efficient at capturing sunlight as tilted ones. Even a small amount of shade can significantly lower their energy production.

Factors such as dust, debris, poor air circulation on the surface, and the thick glass layer required to protect the panels from traffic can also hinder their efficiency. Additionally, this glass surface lacks the traction needed for vehicles, making it less suitable for driving.

The Solar Road Project in Normandy

In the pursuit of durable and efficient solar power, the solar road project in Normandy, France, serves as a key example of what went wrong. Announced in 2016, the plan called for a 620-mile stretch of solar roads designed to power 5 million homes. However, after three years of operation, the project was deemed a failure. As reported by Big Think, the ambitious goal fell short of expectations.

The initial section of road completed was just over half a mile and was projected to provide power to 5,000 homes. However, it quickly became evident that the panels were not meeting expectations. They deteriorated faster than anticipated, damaged by traffic and weather conditions. Even when operating at peak efficiency, the panels generated less energy than traditional tilted solar panels, such as those used on rooftops or along roadsides.

The Setback for Solar Panels

While Normandy stands as one of the most significant examples of a failed solar road initiative, it's not the only one. In China, a solar panel was stolen from a roadway, leading to the cancellation of the entire project. Meanwhile, in Missouri, disagreements between the solar company and the government resulted in the shelving of a planned solar road. Nonetheless, the drive for green energy continues in these regions as efforts to combat climate change and reduce dependence on fossil fuels persist.

Despite the overall slowdown in enthusiasm, some solar road projects are still in progress. For instance, a lab in Atlanta, Georgia, remains committed to exploring the benefits of solar roadways. As of February 2019, an 18-mile section along Interstate 85 continues to be in operation.

Improving the Standard Solar Panel

The Ray C. Anderson Foundation's experts are optimistic that future iterations of solar roads could not only charge electric vehicles but also light up the road surface with LED lights to improve visibility for drivers. These enhanced solar panels are designed to be more durable and offer better traction. With thicker glass and integrated heating plates, these advanced solar roads are capable of generating energy and melting ice more effectively than traditional asphalt or conventional solar panels.

The foundation believes it is better positioned financially to pursue emerging technologies. This is because state or federal technology departments would struggle to justify continued taxpayer funding for a project that has already failed to meet its goals. So, what kind of unproven technology might they be considering? Perhaps a solar power plant?

Whether or not solar roads will ultimately prove viable remains uncertain, but many are not ready to abandon the concept. The need for renewable energy and the promise of solar technology are simply too significant to ignore!

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