Solar panels on roads

SOLARSOLAR PANELPANEL ROADSROADS

1.1. ABSTRACTABSTRACT

2.2. INTRODUCTIONINTRODUCTION

3.3. PANEL CONSTRUCTIONPANEL CONSTRUCTION

4.4. ELECTRIC VEHICLES AND OIL INDEPENDENCEELECTRIC VEHICLES AND OIL INDEPENDENCE

5.5. TRAFFIC MANAGEMENTTRAFFIC MANAGEMENT

6.6. SNOW AND ICE MANAGEMENTSNOW AND ICE MANAGEMENT

7.7. RECYCLED MATERIALSRECYCLED MATERIALS

8.8. NATIONAL SECURITYNATIONAL SECURITY

9.9. SMART GRIDSMART GRID

10.10. HEALTH BENEFITSHEALTH BENEFITS

11.11. ECONOMIC RECOVERYECONOMIC RECOVERY

12.12. AESTHETICS AESTHETICS

13.13. OTHER ADVANTAGESOTHER ADVANTAGES

14.14. DISADVANTAGESDISADVANTAGES

15.15. REFERANCEREFERANCE

CONTENTSCONTENTS

1.ABSTRACT1.ABSTRACT

Most of the electric power is being produced by Most of the electric power is being produced by using fossil fuels which is resulting in the increase of using fossil fuels which is resulting in the increase of pollution. Also these fossil fuels are getting depleted and pollution. Also these fossil fuels are getting depleted and may exhaust completely with in few years. So there is a may exhaust completely with in few years. So there is a need for alternative methods of production of power. So, need for alternative methods of production of power. So, non-conventional means of production came into non-conventional means of production came into existence. Among all the non-conventional sources, solar existence. Among all the non-conventional sources, solar energy is the most important one. Many devices were energy is the most important one. Many devices were designed to work by utilizing solar energy. Solar lamps, designed to work by utilizing solar energy. Solar lamps, solar roads, solar chargers, photovoltaic cells are some of solar roads, solar chargers, photovoltaic cells are some of the devices which depend on solar energy.the devices which depend on solar energy.

Solar panel road is an innovative idea for the Solar panel road is an innovative idea for the production of solar power which is used to supply the production of solar power which is used to supply the domestic and industrial loads. The road ways cover vast domestic and industrial loads. The road ways cover vast area in a town or city which exposes to sun all the day. area in a town or city which exposes to sun all the day. The radiation on the sun can be utilized for the production The radiation on the sun can be utilized for the production of power by the technique of solar panel roads. The basic of power by the technique of solar panel roads. The basic principle of solar panel roads, its construction, way of principle of solar panel roads, its construction, way of working, applications, advantages and disadvantages are working, applications, advantages and disadvantages are the main contents of this presentation. the main contents of this presentation.

2.INTRODUCTION2.INTRODUCTION

A solar roadway is a series of structurally engineered solar A solar roadway is a series of structurally engineered solar panels that are driven upon. The idea is to replace current panels that are driven upon. The idea is to replace current petroleum-based asphalt roads, parking lots, and petroleum-based asphalt roads, parking lots, and driveways with solar road panels that collect energy to be driveways with solar road panels that collect energy to be used by homes and businesses, and ultimately to be able to used by homes and businesses, and ultimately to be able to store excess energy in or alongside the solar roadways. store excess energy in or alongside the solar roadways. Thus renewable energy replaces the need for the current Thus renewable energy replaces the need for the current fossil fuels used for the generation of electricity, which fossil fuels used for the generation of electricity, which cuts greenhouse gases.cuts greenhouse gases.

Parking lots, driveways, and eventually highways are all Parking lots, driveways, and eventually highways are all targets for the panels. If the entire United States Interstate targets for the panels. If the entire United States Interstate Highway system were surfaced with Solar Roadways Highway system were surfaced with Solar Roadways panels, it would produce more than three times the amount panels, it would produce more than three times the amount of electricity currently used nationwide.of electricity currently used nationwide.

The solar roadways consists of structurally engineered The solar roadways consists of structurally engineered solar panels that we drive on. Each solar road panel solar panels that we drive on. Each solar road panel (roughly 12’ by 12’) interlinks with neighboring panels to (roughly 12’ by 12’) interlinks with neighboring panels to form the solar roadways system. The solar roadways form the solar roadways system. The solar roadways generates electrical power from the sun and becomes our generates electrical power from the sun and becomes our nation’s decentralised, intelligent, self-healing power grid, nation’s decentralised, intelligent, self-healing power grid, replacing our current deteriorating power distribution replacing our current deteriorating power distribution infrastructure.infrastructure.

3.PANEL CONSTRUCTION3.PANEL CONSTRUCTION

Existing prototype panels consist of three layers. Existing prototype panels consist of three layers.

Road surface layer –Road surface layer – The road surface is translucent and high-strength, it is rough The road surface is translucent and high-strength, it is rough

enough to provide sufficient traction, yet still passes enough to provide sufficient traction, yet still passes sunlight through to the solar collector cells embedded sunlight through to the solar collector cells embedded within, along with LEDs and a heating element. This layer within, along with LEDs and a heating element. This layer needs to be capable of handling today's heaviest loads under needs to be capable of handling today's heaviest loads under the worst of conditions and to be weatherproof, to protect the worst of conditions and to be weatherproof, to protect the electronics layer beneath it.the electronics layer beneath it.

Electronics layer –Electronics layer – Contains a microprocessor board with support circuitry for Contains a microprocessor board with support circuitry for

sensing loads on the surface and controlling a heating sensing loads on the surface and controlling a heating element with a view to reducing or eliminating snow and ice element with a view to reducing or eliminating snow and ice removal as well as school and business closings due to removal as well as school and business closings due to inclement weather. The microprocessor controls lighting, inclement weather. The microprocessor controls lighting, communications, monitoring, etc. With a communications communications, monitoring, etc. With a communications device every 12 feet, a solar roadway can be an intelligent device every 12 feet, a solar roadway can be an intelligent highway system.highway system.

Base plate layer –Base plate layer –

While the electronics layer collects energy from the sun, it While the electronics layer collects energy from the sun, it is the base plate layer that distributes that power as well as is the base plate layer that distributes that power as well as data signals (phone, TV, internet, etc.) down the line to all data signals (phone, TV, internet, etc.) down the line to all homes and businesses connected to the solar roadway. It homes and businesses connected to the solar roadway. It needs to be weatherproof to protect the electronics layer needs to be weatherproof to protect the electronics layer above itabove it

4.ELECTRIC VEHICLES AND OIL 4.ELECTRIC VEHICLES AND OIL INDEPENDENCEINDEPENDENCE

Electric vehicles (EVs) are on their way: More and more Electric vehicles (EVs) are on their way: More and more car manufacturers are offering electric vehicle options. It's car manufacturers are offering electric vehicle options. It's a good thing too: Roughly 25% of greenhouse gases come a good thing too: Roughly 25% of greenhouse gases come from the exhaust pipes of internal combustion engine from the exhaust pipes of internal combustion engine vehicles, which we've been using for well over 100 years.vehicles, which we've been using for well over 100 years.

As wonderful as they are, electric vehicles have a major As wonderful as they are, electric vehicles have a major problem: due to their relatively short range (generally less problem: due to their relatively short range (generally less than 180 miles) they have to be recharged regularly, than 180 miles) they have to be recharged regularly, typically at the owner's home. This means that they would typically at the owner's home. This means that they would be fit for running to the local grocery store and back, but it be fit for running to the local grocery store and back, but it wouldn't be feasible to take a cross country trip. Basically, wouldn't be feasible to take a cross country trip. Basically, we’d just go as far as the initial charge would take us.we’d just go as far as the initial charge would take us.

Since the Solar Roadway creates and carries clean Since the Solar Roadway creates and carries clean renewable electricity, EVs can be recharged at any renewable electricity, EVs can be recharged at any conveniently located rest stop, or at any business that conveniently located rest stop, or at any business that incorporates Solar Road Panels in their parking lots incorporates Solar Road Panels in their parking lots (restaurants for instance). Owners can plug their cars in (restaurants for instance). Owners can plug their cars in and recharge while they're eating or shopping. Engineers and recharge while they're eating or shopping. Engineers are even investigating ways to use mutual induction to are even investigating ways to use mutual induction to charge EVs while they are driving down the Solar charge EVs while they are driving down the Solar Roadway! By the way: using electric cars would eliminate Roadway! By the way: using electric cars would eliminate most of the other half of the cause of global warming and most of the other half of the cause of global warming and could virtually wean the world off oil entirely.could virtually wean the world off oil entirely.

By replacing our deterioration highway infrastructure with By replacing our deterioration highway infrastructure with the solar roadways, we create a system that will support the solar roadways, we create a system that will support the recharging of all electric vehicles. Using all electric the recharging of all electric vehicles. Using all electric vehicles will eliminate the need for fuel. By the removal vehicles will eliminate the need for fuel. By the removal of internal combustion engine vehicle are easy to drive.of internal combustion engine vehicle are easy to drive.

5.TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT5.TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT

Each Solar Road Panel contains a microprocessor that Each Solar Road Panel contains a microprocessor that monitors and controls the panel, while communicating with monitors and controls the panel, while communicating with neighboring panels and the vehicles traveling overhead. This neighboring panels and the vehicles traveling overhead. This means that you have a communications device every few feet means that you have a communications device every few feet in the road: every road, everywhere.in the road: every road, everywhere.

Imagine what you can do with this kind of control: the dashed Imagine what you can do with this kind of control: the dashed road lines that you see on highways can "travel" alongside road lines that you see on highways can "travel" alongside you at the designated speed limit. If your car is moving faster you at the designated speed limit. If your car is moving faster than the lines, you are going too fast. If your car is being than the lines, you are going too fast. If your car is being passed by the line, you're driving too slowly. You can passed by the line, you're driving too slowly. You can maintain the proper speed while never having to look at your maintain the proper speed while never having to look at your speedometer speedometer

The roadways can protect the motorists. Load cells in the The roadways can protect the motorists. Load cells in the solar road panels can detect if something is on the surface of solar road panels can detect if something is on the surface of the panel. Load cells work like weight machines. In the event the panel. Load cells work like weight machines. In the event that an animal does get onto the solar roadway, oncoming that an animal does get onto the solar roadway, oncoming drivers will be warned via embedded LEDs of the danger drivers will be warned via embedded LEDs of the danger ahead and will be given plenty of time to slow down. ahead and will be given plenty of time to slow down. Crosswalk panels can alert drivers when pedestrians are on Crosswalk panels can alert drivers when pedestrians are on the crosswalk. Once the crosswalk panels detect a pedestrian, the crosswalk. Once the crosswalk panels detect a pedestrian, the LEDs within the crosswalk begin flashing and a warning the LEDs within the crosswalk begin flashing and a warning is displayed in front of oncoming vehicles.is displayed in front of oncoming vehicles.

The Solar Roadways could drastically reduce the number of The Solar Roadways could drastically reduce the number of deaths/injuries caused by impaired driving. This too, ought to deaths/injuries caused by impaired driving. This too, ought to result in lowered insurance rates for all of us.result in lowered insurance rates for all of us.

LOAD CELLS

6.SNOW AND ICE MANAGEMENT6.SNOW AND ICE MANAGEMENT

For those of us in the northern climates, snow can be a For those of us in the northern climates, snow can be a beautiful thing. It creates a winter wonderland and give the beautiful thing. It creates a winter wonderland and give the kids hours of entertainment building snowmen and igloos, kids hours of entertainment building snowmen and igloos, sledding, making snow angels, and having good ole snowball sledding, making snow angels, and having good ole snowball fights.fights.

Unfortunately, it also makes for dangerous driving. Snow Unfortunately, it also makes for dangerous driving. Snow removal is expensive and labor intensive. DOT budgets are removal is expensive and labor intensive. DOT budgets are sometimes expended before the snow stops falling. The need sometimes expended before the snow stops falling. The need for studded tires and snow chains wreck havoc on asphalt for studded tires and snow chains wreck havoc on asphalt roads, which require repair every spring. roads, which require repair every spring.

A Solar Roadway (or parking lot, driveway, playground, A Solar Roadway (or parking lot, driveway, playground, tarmac, etc.) changes all of that. The roads in northern tarmac, etc.) changes all of that. The roads in northern climates heat themselves with their embedded heating climates heat themselves with their embedded heating elements (similar to the rear window of a car), eliminating ice elements (similar to the rear window of a car), eliminating ice and snow buildup. and snow buildup.

Cities will no longer have the expense of snow removal and Cities will no longer have the expense of snow removal and the problems caused by the chemicals (salt, magnesium the problems caused by the chemicals (salt, magnesium chloride, etc.) used to maintain clear roads. chloride, etc.) used to maintain clear roads.

7.RECYCLED MATERIALS7.RECYCLED MATERIALS

Let's clean up our oceans and landfillsLet's clean up our oceans and landfills

Recycled materials can be used for the internal support Recycled materials can be used for the internal support structure. Over 46,000 pieces of plastic litter are floating on structure. Over 46,000 pieces of plastic litter are floating on every square mile of ocean today. In the Central Pacific, there every square mile of ocean today. In the Central Pacific, there are up to 6 pounds of marine litter to every pound of are up to 6 pounds of marine litter to every pound of plankton. plankton.

The power grid cannot be disrupted - not by terrorists, not The power grid cannot be disrupted - not by terrorists, not by power companies, not by nature, not by anyone. No more by power companies, not by nature, not by anyone. No more blackouts, no more brownouts, no more disruptions - ever. blackouts, no more brownouts, no more disruptions - ever.

Global Warming:Global Warming: If we don't stop pouring carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, If we don't stop pouring carbon dioxide into the atmosphere,

then global temperatures will continue to increase, then global temperatures will continue to increase, Greenland and the polar ice caps will continue to melt, and Greenland and the polar ice caps will continue to melt, and hundreds of millions of people will be displaced. That hundreds of millions of people will be displaced. That presents a national security problem for every country in the presents a national security problem for every country in the world. world.

Dependency on Foreign Oil:Dependency on Foreign Oil: The fact that the world is running out of oil doesn't mean The fact that the world is running out of oil doesn't mean

that the industrialized nations will simply learn to live that the industrialized nations will simply learn to live without it. Those who are capable will fight for the last drop without it. Those who are capable will fight for the last drop of oil, anyplace, anywhere. We don't believe that any of us of oil, anyplace, anywhere. We don't believe that any of us are willing to mothball our military machines or revert back are willing to mothball our military machines or revert back to non-mechanized artillery units. WWIII could easily ensue to non-mechanized artillery units. WWIII could easily ensue over the right to extract and use the last reserves of oil. over the right to extract and use the last reserves of oil.

To summarize, the Solar Roadways provides us (and other To summarize, the Solar Roadways provides us (and other nations) national security that we have never been able to nations) national security that we have never been able to achieve. It can help curb terrorism. It can help prevent achieve. It can help curb terrorism. It can help prevent future wars. It can keep our children safer. It will cut down future wars. It can keep our children safer. It will cut down on health and respiratory problems. The Solar Roadway™ on health and respiratory problems. The Solar Roadway™ will help us to sleep better at night!will help us to sleep better at night!

Trash bags, water bottles and other plastics, and rubber tires Trash bags, water bottles and other plastics, and rubber tires can be mixed with organic materials to create parts of the can be mixed with organic materials to create parts of the Solar Road PanelsSolar Road Panels

8.NATIONAL SECURITY8.NATIONAL SECURITY

Renewable Energy = Homeland SecurityRenewable Energy = Homeland Security Our decentralized power grid will deny terrorists an Our decentralized power grid will deny terrorists an

opportunity to take out our power. Making oil relatively opportunity to take out our power. Making oil relatively worthless will take away the vast majority of terrorist worthless will take away the vast majority of terrorist funding. Eliminating any perceived need to protect our oil funding. Eliminating any perceived need to protect our oil interests in hostile lands will keep our troops safe and allow interests in hostile lands will keep our troops safe and allow us to redirect the money spent on war to our needs at home. us to redirect the money spent on war to our needs at home. The Solar Roadways™ provides national security on several The Solar Roadways™ provides national security on several levels: levels:

Our Roadway Infrastructure:Our Roadway Infrastructure: Trucks with hazardous materials can be tracked and Trucks with hazardous materials can be tracked and

monitored. Suspected terrorist's vehicles can be tracked. monitored. Suspected terrorist's vehicles can be tracked. Public buses and school buses can be tracked. All in real Public buses and school buses can be tracked. All in real time. These vehicles can be fitted with controls to shut down time. These vehicles can be fitted with controls to shut down their engines and/or apply their brakes in the event that they their engines and/or apply their brakes in the event that they are commandeered with malintent.are commandeered with malintent.

Our Power Grid:Our Power Grid: A self-healing transmission system would minimize the A self-healing transmission system would minimize the

impact of any kind of terrorist attempt to “take out” the impact of any kind of terrorist attempt to “take out” the power grid. The Solar Roadways™ can't be "taken out" - not power grid. The Solar Roadways™ can't be "taken out" - not by terrorists, not by utility companies, not by anyone. It by terrorists, not by utility companies, not by anyone. It provides a decentralized, secure, intelligent, self-healing provides a decentralized, secure, intelligent, self-healing power grid. power grid.

9.SMART GRID9.SMART GRID

Our current power grid is based on centralized power Our current power grid is based on centralized power stations. Distribution of power is handled through stations. Distribution of power is handled through transmission lines (overhead and underground), relay transmission lines (overhead and underground), relay stations, and transformers. When a line goes down (ice, stations, and transformers. When a line goes down (ice, lighting, wind, tress, utility pole hit by car, etc.), everyone lighting, wind, tress, utility pole hit by car, etc.), everyone on the wrong end of the line loses power until the damage on the wrong end of the line loses power until the damage is repaired. If a power station goes down, an entire section is repaired. If a power station goes down, an entire section of the country goes dark.of the country goes dark.

The Solar Roadways on the other hand, replaces all current The Solar Roadways on the other hand, replaces all current centralized power stations including coal- and nuclear-centralized power stations including coal- and nuclear-powered electricity generation plants. With the Solar powered electricity generation plants. With the Solar Roadways™, the road becomes the power grid, eliminating Roadways™, the road becomes the power grid, eliminating the need for unsightly utility poles and relay stations. the need for unsightly utility poles and relay stations. Power is generated everywhere - every road, parking lot, Power is generated everywhere - every road, parking lot, and driveway. No more power outages, roaming .and driveway. No more power outages, roaming .

This is "secure" energy: it can't be deliberately shut down. This is "secure" energy: it can't be deliberately shut down. Not by terrorists, not by power companies, it simply can't Not by terrorists, not by power companies, it simply can't be shut down. be shut down.

The precise definition of "smart" varies from one engineer The precise definition of "smart" varies from one engineer to the next. The gist is that a smart grid would be more to the next. The gist is that a smart grid would be more automated and more "self-healing," and so less prone to automated and more "self-healing," and so less prone to failures. It would be more tolerant of small-scale, variable failures. It would be more tolerant of small-scale, variable power sources such as solar panels and wind turbines, in power sources such as solar panels and wind turbines, in part because it would even out fluctuations by storing part because it would even out fluctuations by storing energy...energy...

The Solar Roadway is completely decentralized. Every The Solar Roadway is completely decentralized. Every Solar Road Panel™ can generate and pass electricity Solar Road Panel™ can generate and pass electricity "down line" to homes and businesses. No loss to heat, no "down line" to homes and businesses. No loss to heat, no carbon footprint, and no spent fuel rods.carbon footprint, and no spent fuel rods.

A self-healing smart grid can best be built if its architects A self-healing smart grid can best be built if its architects try to fulfill three primary objectives. The most try to fulfill three primary objectives. The most fundamental is real-time monitoring and reaction. An fundamental is real-time monitoring and reaction. An array of sensors would monitor electrical parameters such array of sensors would monitor electrical parameters such as voltage and current, as well as the condition of critical as voltage and current, as well as the condition of critical components. These measurements would enable the components. These measurements would enable the system to constantly tune itself to an optimal state.system to constantly tune itself to an optimal state.

Each Solar Road Panel measures 12 feet (about 4 meters) Each Solar Road Panel measures 12 feet (about 4 meters) by 12 feet and contains a microprocessor board for by 12 feet and contains a microprocessor board for control, monitoring, and communications. This means control, monitoring, and communications. This means that you have a microprocessor (a small computer) that you have a microprocessor (a small computer) located every 12 feet in your power grid. It monitors located every 12 feet in your power grid. It monitors everything that takes place within its 12 foot perimeter. It everything that takes place within its 12 foot perimeter. It tracks voltage and current that it generates, uses, sends to tracks voltage and current that it generates, uses, sends to or receives from neighboring Solar Road Panels, etc. or receives from neighboring Solar Road Panels, etc.

The Solar Roadways can't be "taken out" - not by The Solar Roadways can't be "taken out" - not by terrorists, not by utility companies, not by anyone. It terrorists, not by utility companies, not by anyone. It provides a decentralized, secure, intelligent, self-healing provides a decentralized, secure, intelligent, self-healing power gridpower grid. .

10.HEALTH BENEFITS10.HEALTH BENEFITS

The Solar Roadways will help to clean up the The Solar Roadways will help to clean up the environment by eliminating the need to produce CO2 in the environment by eliminating the need to produce CO2 in the generation of electricity, by preventing pollutants from generation of electricity, by preventing pollutants from entering our lakes, streams, and oceans (Water Management), entering our lakes, streams, and oceans (Water Management), and by eliminating the need to burn oil in the forms of and by eliminating the need to burn oil in the forms of gasoline and diesel (Electric Vehicles). gasoline and diesel (Electric Vehicles).

The Solar Roadways will eliminate the need for pouring CO2 The Solar Roadways will eliminate the need for pouring CO2 into our atmosphere in order to create electricity. It will make into our atmosphere in order to create electricity. It will make all-electric vehicles practical, so we can stop burning gasoline all-electric vehicles practical, so we can stop burning gasoline and diesel. and diesel.

Let’s give our children a chance at a brighter future: let’s not Let’s give our children a chance at a brighter future: let’s not leave them a world where respiratory illnesses become the leave them a world where respiratory illnesses become the norm rather than the exception. How much longer shall we norm rather than the exception. How much longer shall we continue to endanger their very futures?continue to endanger their very futures?

11.ECONOMIC RECOVERY11.ECONOMIC RECOVERY

It will take roughly five billion 12' by 12' Solar Road It will take roughly five billion 12' by 12' Solar Road Panels™ just to cover the roads, parking lots, and Panels™ just to cover the roads, parking lots, and driveways in the United States. Imagine the manufacturing driveways in the United States. Imagine the manufacturing requirements: it will create so many new jobs that it may requirements: it will create so many new jobs that it may very well become the "New Deal" of the 21st century. We very well become the "New Deal" of the 21st century. We can retrain workers from obsolete jobs such as coal miners can retrain workers from obsolete jobs such as coal miners and asphalt workers with new "Green Collar" jobs. and asphalt workers with new "Green Collar" jobs. Unemployment rates will plummet. Vast sums of money Unemployment rates will plummet. Vast sums of money will be injected back into our economy. This could create will be injected back into our economy. This could create the biggest mobilization this country has seen since the biggest mobilization this country has seen since WWII.WWII.

Each Solar Road Panel™ measures 12 feet (about 4 Each Solar Road Panel™ measures 12 feet (about 4 meters) by 12 feet. Each panel contains solar collectors, meters) by 12 feet. Each panel contains solar collectors, circuit boards, electronics parts, etc. All of these have to circuit boards, electronics parts, etc. All of these have to be assembled. Let's say it take a minimum of 10 hours to be assembled. Let's say it take a minimum of 10 hours to completely assemble one Solar Road Panel™. Ten hours completely assemble one Solar Road Panel™. Ten hours is probably a conservative estimate, but it's a nice round is probably a conservative estimate, but it's a nice round number. number.

12.AESTHETICS12.AESTHETICS

How many views are marred by ugly power lines? Imagine How many views are marred by ugly power lines? Imagine traveling and enjoying the lack of these obtructions. Since the traveling and enjoying the lack of these obtructions. Since the power lines will be located in the Solar Roadways, it will also power lines will be located in the Solar Roadways, it will also prevent power outages from snow and ice accumulating on prevent power outages from snow and ice accumulating on lines. This will make our world much safer as well. lines. This will make our world much safer as well.

No more unsightly utility poles, relay stations, coal stacks, No more unsightly utility poles, relay stations, coal stacks, cooling towers, etc. All power lines are replaced by the Solar cooling towers, etc. All power lines are replaced by the Solar Roadway. Data (telephone, cable TV, high-speed internet Roadway. Data (telephone, cable TV, high-speed internet access, etc.) is contained within the same Solar Roadway and access, etc.) is contained within the same Solar Roadway and delivered right to your home/business via your delivered right to your home/business via your driveway/parking lot. driveway/parking lot.

Central power stations such as coal and nuclear plants will Central power stations such as coal and nuclear plants will become obsolete. Power will be produced and distributed via become obsolete. Power will be produced and distributed via the Solar Roadways, providing cleaner skies and a the Solar Roadways, providing cleaner skies and a picturesque landscape. picturesque landscape.

13.OTHER ADVANTAGES13.OTHER ADVANTAGES

Renewability and life-spanRenewability and life-span The main advantage of the solar roadway concept is that it The main advantage of the solar roadway concept is that it

utilizes a renewable source of energy to produce electricity. It utilizes a renewable source of energy to produce electricity. It has the potential to reduce dependence on conventional has the potential to reduce dependence on conventional sources of energy such as coal, petroleum and other fossil sources of energy such as coal, petroleum and other fossil fuels. Also, the life span of the solar panels is around 30–40 fuels. Also, the life span of the solar panels is around 30–40 years, much greater than normal asphalt roads, which only years, much greater than normal asphalt roads, which only last 7–12 years.last 7–12 years.

Military and rescue assistanceMilitary and rescue assistance In the event of an environmental disaster or military In the event of an environmental disaster or military

emergency, solar roadways would provide power when it is emergency, solar roadways would provide power when it is needed most. As solar power is renewable, it obviously needed most. As solar power is renewable, it obviously requires no external connection to an artificial power source.requires no external connection to an artificial power source.

Roadways already in placeRoadways already in place Another advantage of solar roadways is that they do not Another advantage of solar roadways is that they do not

require the development of unused and potentially require the development of unused and potentially environmentally sensitive lands. This is currently a very environmentally sensitive lands. This is currently a very controversial issue with large photovoltaic installations in the controversial issue with large photovoltaic installations in the Southwestern US and other places. But since the roads are Southwestern US and other places. But since the roads are already there, this is not an issue. Also, unlike large already there, this is not an issue. Also, unlike large photovoltaic installations, new transmission corridors – photovoltaic installations, new transmission corridors – perhaps across environmentally sensitive land – would not be perhaps across environmentally sensitive land – would not be required to bring power to consumers in urban areas. required to bring power to consumers in urban areas. Transmission lines could simply be run along already Transmission lines could simply be run along already established roadways.established roadways.

On-the-go chargingOn-the-go charging With induction plating embedded inside these roads, electric With induction plating embedded inside these roads, electric

cars can be recharged while in motion on top of these roads. cars can be recharged while in motion on top of these roads. This would reduce the costs and the time-inconvenience of This would reduce the costs and the time-inconvenience of waiting at a charging station.waiting at a charging station.

Protection from lightnings and thunders:Protection from lightnings and thunders: Each Solar Road Panel will have electrical connections with Each Solar Road Panel will have electrical connections with

something similar to a GFI (Ground Fault Interrupter - something similar to a GFI (Ground Fault Interrupter - found in our homes to prevent us from being electrocuted if found in our homes to prevent us from being electrocuted if we drop a hair dryer in the bathtub). If too much current we drop a hair dryer in the bathtub). If too much current begins to flow (short circuit?), the electrical connection will begins to flow (short circuit?), the electrical connection will be shut off, therefore isolating any damaged panels. On a be shut off, therefore isolating any damaged panels. On a larger scale - say a fuel truck explodes, completely severing larger scale - say a fuel truck explodes, completely severing the road in half - no one would lose power. All of the panels the road in half - no one would lose power. All of the panels leading up to your home would still provide power. You leading up to your home would still provide power. You may lose your cable TV or telephone (land line) until the may lose your cable TV or telephone (land line) until the road is repaired, but you'd still have powerroad is repaired, but you'd still have power..

14.DISADVANTAGES14.DISADVANTAGES

In spite of these advantages, initially, the start up and maintenance costs of building In spite of these advantages, initially, the start up and maintenance costs of building such roadways and parking lots may be extremely high, although advances in this such roadways and parking lots may be extremely high, although advances in this technology should cause the costs to fall. Another issue to deal with is the efficiency technology should cause the costs to fall. Another issue to deal with is the efficiency of solar panels. The average efficiency is currently 20%. Another disadvantage is that of solar panels. The average efficiency is currently 20%. Another disadvantage is that solar road panels cannot easily be constructed in the poorest developing nations due to solar road panels cannot easily be constructed in the poorest developing nations due to the high initial start-up costs. Road surfaces also accumulate rubber, salt, etc., which the high initial start-up costs. Road surfaces also accumulate rubber, salt, etc., which block sunlight. Salt might be easy to wash off, but not rubber. Solar roadways would block sunlight. Salt might be easy to wash off, but not rubber. Solar roadways would also be quite costly. Each panel costs about $7,000 to build, and the plan calls for also be quite costly. Each panel costs about $7,000 to build, and the plan calls for billions of them to cover the roadways billions of them to cover the roadways

15.REFERANCE15.REFERANCEwww.solarroadways.comwww.solarroadways.comwww.futureenergy.comwww.futureenergy.com

www.techli.comwww.techli.comen.wikipedia.orgen.wikipedia.org