I recently watched a video that could change our very lives and world as we know it, solar panels on our roads. This may sound like an everyday idea, but this time it is for keeps, a true possibility in our future and is already underway.
I first heard about this project on a site that I regularly visit called Indiegogo, which is similar to Kickstarter where people present their ideas and hope people will fund them. Their Indiegogo page can be found here. Their first goal was to get to an incredible $1 million, and this was soon met and surpassed within 2 months. The project was funded with a staggering $2.2 million, which is 220% of the asked funding. This means that this project will soon be performed on some of our roads, starting with private driveways and eventually leading to expansion. These drive ways will offer huge savings to the homes of citizens against their energy bills.
The technology in these solar panels could change driving, road signs, diversions, roadworks, and safety. This would save people’s lives as well as offer us safe faster travel. Living in the state of Michigan, dear are known to cause many car accidents each year which can lead to some deaths. This project could offer a safe means and visibility on a dark road where any potential obstacles can be lit up like a Christmas tree.
This project is full of surprises, our power lines, phone lines and Internet lines can all be integrated into this system allowing them to travel safely underground. This means no more accidents with kites or our scenic environment being polluted by unsightly views.
As mentioned in the video the solar panels have integrated heating to make sure roads are clear even in heavy snow. The panels will also allow the extra water to drain away to get transported straight to local water treatment facilities. They can also treat the water on-site using a filter similar to what is used in the Lifestraw.
Recycling is something that many people are concerned with and the impact that this project will have on the environment. These solar panels are created with 100% recycled materials which is great news for the environment. The only downside that they don’t mention in the video is creating solar panels uses up a lot of electricity before they are even put to use. This electricity will be recovered over the lifespan of the solar panel but while we are burning fossil fuels to create electricity it is still adding to the damage in our atmosphere.
