The Solar Road Panel is a series of structurally-engineered solar panels that are driven on. They are feasible alternatives to asphalt roads, parking lots and driveways. Energy can be used to supply businesses and homes.
A series of panels forming a roadway is essentially a decentralized power grid. LED's within can form messages pertinent to driving conditions. The panels are able to heat themselves to eliminate snow and ice. The surface layer has great traction, can handle heavy loads and still allows sunlight to pass through to the solar collector cells. The base layer below the electronics layer has the ability to serve the community with electricity and data streams such as phone and internet.
A series of panels forming a roadway is essentially a decentralized power grid. LED's within can form messages pertinent to driving conditions. The panels are able to heat themselves to eliminate snow and ice. The surface layer has great traction, can handle heavy loads and still allows sunlight to pass through to the solar collector cells. The base layer below the electronics layer has the ability to serve the community with electricity and data streams such as phone and internet.
One benefit of a system of Solar Road Panels is the ability to help underdeveloped areas to have access to clean water. According to the website the panels don't even have to be set up into a roadway. Panels can provide electricity to run pumps for wells and satellite dishes.
Other clean water related issues that are being discussed is the problem of storm water from roadway runoff.
"We're experimenting with a solution to relocate stormwater. First, to a water treatment facility, where necessary. Then, to whatever location the filtered water is needed."
Other clean water related issues that are being discussed is the problem of storm water from roadway runoff.
"We're experimenting with a solution to relocate stormwater. First, to a water treatment facility, where necessary. Then, to whatever location the filtered water is needed."
If you like the idea of this new kind of roadway, show your support. Solar Roadways is on Facebook, Twitter, and MySpace.
Solar Roadways was selected as a finalist in the Most Promising Renewable Energy Categoary for the 2010 EE Times ACE Awards. Awards will be presented on April 27th during the Embedded Systems Conference Silicon Valley.
The following companies are up against Solar Roadways: Cymbet, National Semiconductor, and PV Powered, Inc.
The EE Times Annual Creativity in Electronics (ACE) Awards celebrate the creators of technology who demonstrate leadership and innovation in the global industry and shape the world we live in.
The presentation of the 2010 EE Times ACE Awards will take place on Tuesday, April 27th at the Club Regent Room in the Fairmont. All finalists are invited to attend. Complimentary tickets will be sent directly to each finalist company.
Tickets are $99.00 per person and include a one and half hour cocktail reception and awards presentation.
