Solar Roadways Unveils Super Strong Solar Panels for Roads in Prototypical Parking Lot
Eight years ago, Scott and Julie Brusaw had a vision of replacing the asphalt on American roadways and parking lots with energy-producing solar panels that are strong enough to withstand vehicular traffic. After a lot of experimentation and funding struggles, the couple and their company Solar Roadways just unveiled their first parking lot made of hexagonal panels! The road panels don't just harvest solar energy - they are also equipped with circuit boards, programmable LEDS, and a heating element that melts ice and snow, all covered in "super-strength" textured glass. The parking lot is equivalent to a 3,600-watt solar array.
Not only does the parking lot harvest energy, it also incorporates overhead utilities and repositions underground utilities for more efficient use. Power and data cables line a cable corridor alongside the parking lot, which provides easy access to power and data companies. This eliminates the need for overhead power lines and amazingly removes cell phone dead spots. The cable corridor is able to house all kinds of cables, including TV, fiber optics for high speed internet, and phone. Another function of this incredibly smart parking lot is to store, treat and redistribute storm water.
Source: inhabitat.com
Publisher: inhabitat.com
