$56 trillion project hits this state – This will be the first to have this in history
The iconic cross-country Route 66 is being considered for a solar panel installation. Solar Roadways, an Idaho-based start-up, and the state of Missouri have collaborated on the initial installation of Solar Roadways’ hexagonal sunlight-absorbing panels on the walkway at Missouri’s welcome center in Conway as part of a pilot project. If the pilot succeeds, the solar panel technology could be added to Missouri’s portion of Route 66.
A $56 trillion potential project
The biggest obstacle to paving the nation’s roads with solar panels is the potential cost. Although the figure has since been dropped due to the price of solar panels decreasing, a disputed figure of $56 trillion has been associated with the cost of paving the nation’s roads with solar panels. In addition to the cost of paving the roads, ongoing maintenance costs will have to be considered.
Solar Roadways was founded by an Idaho couple, Julie and Scott Brusaw, who initially began to sell their solar dreams in 2010. According to Scott and Julie, at that time, their plan would deliver three times America’s electricity demands. Solar Roadway also suggested that their hexagonal solar panels would filter stormwater, melt snow, light up to give warnings to drivers, and also replace above-ground power cables. Solar Roadways raised over $2.25million in 2014 for their project on Indiegogo.
In the instance of the Missouri Route 66 pilot, it appears that the money has yet to be fully secured, with local government planning in pursuit of crowdfunding to support the venture.
The pilot is expected to begin with solar panels, which will be used to generate electricity for the Route 66 Welcome Center at Conway, and in order to fund future pilot projects.
Roadways that pay for themselves
Solar Roadways’ road surface solar panels are designed to deliver similar traction characteristics to pavement; however, they contain LEDs that would eliminate the necessity for painting road stripes. Solar Roadways’ solar panels would also have integrated heating elements, which have the capacity to melt snow and ice, and the electricity that is generated could also plug power back into the grid to power homes. According to Missouri DOT assistant district engineer Tom Blair, if Solar Roadways technology is realistic, the roadways can begin to pay for themselves.
Solar Roadways is also considering installing solar panels in carparks to provide energy for electric car charging stations. In addition, while wireless charging technology improves, the possibility remains that electric cars that are driven on solar roads will be able to charge as they drive.
Solar panel roadways as far as France
While the Missouri project is novel, it would not be the first time that solar panels have been applied to a country’s roadways. France became home to the first solar panel roadways in 2016. French transport company Colas developed the Wattway road surface solar panels. The French stretch of road measured 1 kilometer (0.62 miles) and cost a considerable $5.2 million. Subsequently, the French government studied the roadway to consider whether it could continue to hold its own with over two years of daily traffic.
While Solar Roadways is experiencing international competition, in the United States, the state of Georgia is working with Colas to install the Wattway solar technology on an 18-mile stretch of Interstate 85.
Alongside its crowdfunding, Solar Roadways has received funding from the U.S. DOT to continue its testing and development.
According to Tom Blair, an engineer for Missouri’s Department of Transportation (MoDOT), Solar Roadways can hopefully create additional revenue streams. He added that if their version of the future is realistic, the solar panel roadways can begin paying for themselves. The solar panels will first be piloted on a pavement leading to the rest stop’s entrance, before expanding to the parking lot.