Way back in 2010 we learnt about a project called Solar Roadways. The idea is that instead of solar panels being installed on the rooftops of buildings or homes, it could be installed on the roads where it could also be used to power things like LEDs on the road for markers and to serve as warnings/instructions.
Solar Roadways then launched on Indiegogo in 2014, and now it looks like the project is coming along rather nicely as its first public test has been launched. The company’s energy tiles will be installed in Sandpoint, Idaho. Like we mentioned earlier, lighting up the roads is one of the potential uses for Solar Roadways.
However in its public tests, the solar power it has gathered will also be used to generate power for the fountain and restrooms located in the public square. Right now only 30 panels will be deployed which is admittedly rather small considering the grand plan that Solar Roadways has envisioned.
Then again this test is meant to showcase the potential of Solar Roadways, so assuming it is successful, we expect that they might expand it and who knows, perhaps the future where our roads are covered with solar panels could be a reality. In the meantime Sandpoint has a live webcam pointed at the tiles, so if you’re interested you can always take a peek.
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