The question is why didn’t anyone think of this before? Some ideas that can lead mankind into a better direction deserve recognition and Solar Roadways definitely deserves a spot in this list. The basic idea is to replace the tradition coal tar roads with solar panels but, giving drivers something to drive on is the least important of its features.
The primary function of Solar Roadways is actually to produce clean energy. Energy that will provide for all our needs and severely decrease the amount of pollutants we currently produce. For people living in areas with snow, the solar panels will come with heating plates that will help to melt the snow and ice. The plates will also have LED lights that could be programmed to display all kinds of road signs and practically anything – i.e. playgrounds, parking spots, etc.
To add to the idea’s greatness, a good portion of the material needed to produce the solar panels comes from recyclable material. Also, just imagine the amount of new jobs it will create –for those responsible for laying the panels to the technicians responsible for creating the panels.
Realistically, this is not a project that is going to take the world by storm tomorrow, because corporations have put too much time and money into fossil fuels for them to just “go away”. And, for all we know, this may not even work as planned. But the truth is that we will never find out until we try it out. The creators of this idea understand this and have proposed short term goals to properly field test their products. This would include covering smaller areas like parking lots and playgrounds.
In the end, this project will only be a reality if they can have enough financial backing. Their Indiegogo page performed so well that not only did they reach their goals, they actually doubled it (they have raised over $2 million) – and Indiegogo.com has even set their page as “InDemand”, meaning that people can still continue to donate towards the cause
As amazing as it is to see the public response to the idea, it would be great to see top quality investors recognize its importance also. Interestingly, they have made it in the Popular Science Magazine’s list of 100 Greatest Inventions of the Year, featured on CBS’s Innovation Nation, and have received a mention in President Barack Obama’s 2015 State of the Union Speech.
Check out the video and let us know how you feel about this idea!
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