The inventors say that the modular design will make it easier to replace a broken panel and simply swap it out instead of relying on asphalt patches, which are becoming increasingly expensive.
The solar panels which makes Solar Roadways fights climate change, are protected by a specially-designed tempered glass that allows light to get to the solar panels. It also reportedly allow the LED lights inside them to shine through in a variety of patterns -- but is as strong as steel.
Fox9 reports that the U.S. Federal Highway Administration has already provided Solar Roadways with two phases of funding to research and develop a paving system that will pay for itself over its life-span. The second phase reportedly involves building a prototype parking lot.
Solar Roadways also said that the future may also be better for animals as a solar-paneled road could warn motorists of objects in their path. The panels are pressure-sensitive and can detect light objects such as a child stepping into the road, as well as tree or rock debris.
Solar Roadways fights climate change also by cutting stormwater pollution. According to the company, their creation offers even more perks than the clean energy provided to the grid. They use as many recycled materials as possible in the construction of the panels, and that they are also tackling the problem of stormwater pollution. Because their budget has been met, the production process for the solar panels is set to begin and be refined. The inventors said that if all American roads were upgraded to solar streets, they could produce three times as much energy as the nation currently uses.
To watch how Solar Roadways fights climate change with their new innovation, see video below.
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
