I never could quite understand the point of these solar roadways. Surely rooftop solar, parking-top solar, almost anything-top solar, is much cheaper to build as it doesn't need to be strengthened to withstand heavy and dynamic stuff moving over it. And it's far easier to install, and to maintain. And it sees more sun. So, why bother?
Traditional-surface roads:
> Provide no income for upkeep (except when tolls are charged)
> Require polluting petroleum products or cement to build and repair
> Require large machines, vehicles and labor to repair
> Require polluting snow plows and salt to keep the roads clear in winter conditions
Solar Roadways:
> "...Pay for itself over time through the generation of renewable energy. After completing two contracts with the USDOT, it is apparent that this goal is viable. SR panels can become the nation’s smart grid, providing energy to homes and businesses along the way."
> Channel power and telecommunications cables underground, eliminating power poles and downed wire hazards.
> Melt/prevent snow and ice buildup -- acting everywhere at once to eliminate hazardous road conditions, damaging snow plows and salt.
> Channel water off the road to below ground to prevent flooding.
> Provide "smart" markings, warning of obstacles or wildlife on the road ahead, temporary speed restrictions, lane changes.
> Communicate road and module conditions, supplementing traffic cameras and providing immediate notifications of road hazards or repair needed.
> Don't "melt" in extreme heat like asphalt.
> Can be repaired by two guys with a pickup truck, removing a broken module and dropping in a new one.
> Consultations are ongoing with companies that make mutual induction plates to charge EVs while they're driving (at least one has tested successfully at 75mph). The Solar Roadway could charge the EVs while they're traveling, which would increase their range. It’s quite simple - the "receiver" plate gets mounted beneath the EV and the "transmitter" plate is installed in the road.
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