smart streets and solar powered roadways input energy into the power-grid
all images courtesy solar roadways

 

 

 

in 2012, designboom covered the first prototype stage of american electrical engineer scott brusaw’s system of solar powered roads. conceived as an initiative to change the face of national highways by re-purposing them with photo-voltaic panels, the idea for ‘solar roadways’ was to introduce smart streets capable of directly inputting energy into ‘the grid’. if realized, the concept could essentially power an entire country with the generated electricity.

 

to learn more, or to help fund the project, see the indigogo project here.

solar powered roadways by scott brusaw come to life with LED's

 artist’s rendition of a sidewalk/parking lot application in sandpoint, idaho

 

 

 

now in it’s second prototyping stage, the project has been further developed as a modular photovoltaic (PV) paving system that can withstand the heaviest of trucks – up to 120,000 kilograms. the plan would see the ‘solar road’ panels installed on highways, parking lots, driveways, sidewalks, bike paths and even playgrounds.

solar powered roadways by scott brusaw come to life with LED's

the parking lot is fully functional with solar cells, LED’s, heating elements, and the textured glass surface

 

 

 

the system is based on centralized power stations, and distribution is handled through transmission lines and relay centers. each panel has its own microprocessor, which communicates wirelessly with the surrounding panels – they monitor each other for malfunctions or problems.

solar powered roadways by scott brusaw come to life with LED'sexcess power produced by the system can feed surrounding neighborhoods

solar powered roadways by scott brusaw come to life with LED'sthe full size hexagons utilize 36-watt solar panels, with a 69-percent surface coverage by solar cells

solar powered roadways by scott brusaw come to life with LED'sthe panels can withstand the heaviest of trucks – up to 120,000 kilograms 

 

 

 

electric vehicles will be able to charge with energy from the parking lots and driveways, and after a roadway system is in place, mutual induction technology will allow for charging while driving.

 

 

testing loads with a tractor

solar powered roadways by scott brusaw come to life with LED'sthe LEDs can be programmed to dimmed or even turned off

solar powered roadways by scott brusaw come to life with LED's
render from the original concept in 2012
image courtesy dan walden

 

 

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smart streets and solar roadways produces energy for the power-grid
 
smart streets and solar roadways produces energy for the power-grid
 
smart streets and solar roadways produces energy for the power-grid
 
smart streets and solar roadways produces energy for the power-grid