Route 66 aims to become the first solar highway through Missouri. It turns out that Route 66 has become one of the most iconic places in the United States, so road maintenance is essential. Now, a plan is on the table to replace a section of the road with smart paving stones that act as solar panels. The idea is to transform a section in Idaho and incorporate this new technology with the help of Solar Roadways.
The idea is to transform conventional pavement into panels that capture sunlight
Repairs are needed, and the ability to coexist and be useful to drivers on a daily basis is one of Solar Roadways’ priorities. This is the company that wants to make this major transformation that catches everyone’s attention. The idea is to transform conventional pavement into panels that capture sunlight and transform it into energy that can be returned to the electrical grid. The idea could be very interesting. In fact, the plan includes the design of LED lights that illuminate to replace the roadway lines and even a technology that melts ice in winter, as a type of heating integrated into the panels themselves.
The idea consists of thick hexagonal bricks of tempered glass, which house photovoltaic cells, LEDs of different colors, and various electrical resistors. Last year, the company began testing the idea with the state of Missouri. Their first move was to install the panels at a welcome center in Conway. In addition to the above, these panels are designed to offer the same grip characteristics as conventional asphalt.
Solar Roadways has already received funding from the Department of Transportation and the support of thousands of online backers
It’s true that the idea will involve changes beyond just the pavement. The asphalt conversion project will also involve restructuring the streets where this new asphalt design is installed, seeking to integrate new energy solutions to minimize electricity consumption and reduce the environmental impact.
So far, Solar Roadways has already received funding from the Department of Transportation and the support of thousands of online backers. They are also considering using their panels in parking lots to power electric vehicle charging stations. In fact, Tesla had planned to install thousands of charging stations between Texas and California, two states where the company already has a strong presence. However, the project required funding and, after several rounds of negotiations, failed to obtain government approval.
Maybe, to allow drivers to even charge their cars while driving on these solar-powered roads
For its part, Solar Roadways aims, in the future, to allow drivers to even charge their cars while driving on these solar-powered roads. This may even sound like something out of a movie, like all those inspired by the iconic Route 66. In fact, there are already voices that are deeply intrigued by the idea. “If this works, roads might actually start paying for themselves,” said Tom Blair, one of the engineers involved in the project.
It’s true that, although this isn’t the first project we’ve seen under this idea, this one in Missouri does aim to be the first to offer real results. In fact, a similar project was carried out in France using solar panels to cover part of a highway. The results were mixed. It cost millions, and its durability is still being tested.
What is clear is that the idea is attracting attention not only because it is an alternative that rethinks the idea of ​​using cleaner energy, but also because of the money it can generate for the states that might benefit. There are also more nostalgic critics who speak of the loss of the authenticity of what Route 66 has always been. We will have to wait and see how this story ultimately ends.
