Solar-Powered Roads Of The Future Could Make You Richer

Whatever your opinion on electric vehicles, there's no denying that EVs aren't as good to the environment as we're told they are; most of the electricity that's used to power them is created by fossil fuels, after all... That's why one couple in Idaho, America, decided to work on a clever solution. Solar Roadways is an incredible project that replaces traditional asphalt with a glass surface that houses solar panels. These solar panels provide electricity to buildings and cars and can be pumped back into the grid. In fact, Solar Roadways estimates that there are around 30,000 square miles of asphalt in America which, if replaced with their invention, could generate up to three times the electricity used by the country.Initially, the pair are focussing on supplying driveways and car parks where vehicles move at low speeds. Eventually, they'll introduce the solar network to residential streets and highways. While they'll no doubt be expensive to produce and buy/hire, homeowners and businesses could offset the initial outlay with reduced electricity bills, as well as the fact that owners can sell off excess energy back to the grid. The glass surface may ring alarm bells about grip, but Solar Roadways is adamant that it has created a rough enough surface that has passed friction tests, even in the wet. The panels also have heating elements built in that melt ice and snow, and LEDs that make visible road markings (like the glowing lines we've seen recently) at night, as well as intelligent displays (below).When maintenance is needed, there will be no more multi-lane closures, as engineers can pop out the damaged panels and replace them with new ones. EVs could be charged on the move using mutual induction panels too. It has even implemented a system to clean storm water that runs off the road; currently, 50 per cent of the pollution in America's water comes from dirty roads.They are hoping to raise $1m (£595,000) to pay engineers to make the final modifications needed, such as creating panels that are 100 per cent covered by solar cells. The team also wants to implement piezoelectricity, which would use the weight of cars on the roadway to generate electricity - particularly useful at night when the solar panels aren't generating a lot of energy (though car headlights do contribute to electricity generation).What's great about this is that it doesn't mean the death of the internal combustion engine; it reduces reliance on fossil fuels in other areas, and with on-the-go charging it encourages non-petrolheads to buy electric. All the more of that precious fuel for us!