Solar Powered Roads

Solar Panel roads have markings that would light up

This truly brilliant idea comes from American electrical engineer Scott Brusaw. He suggests replacing tarmac with solar panelled road tiles - creating many advantages. 

The roads would be able to input energy directly into the national power-grid through photovoltaics which could power an entire country. 

This concept opens the way to such potential. It could mean electric cars could be recharged virtually anywhere, and even small business could benefit by being able to go 'off-grid' with EV charging stations.

Above: without, bellow: with solar panels

These solar roads can provide clean renewable energy but at the same time they can improve safety. With embedded LEDs the road can actually tell drivers if an animal is on the road, and light up road markings make dangerous stretches of road easier to navigate. As well of course it would also be easier in accedients to redirect traffic too. I have to say I really hope this concept comes into being soon. Already the technology is being trialed with pedestrian walkways and cycle routes.

LEDs in the road show drivers hazards as they step on the road

Found via Design Boom.