Energy Generating Roads Made From Solar Cells
Scott Brusaw and his wife,Julie,co-owners of Sagle-based startup Solar Roadways,have come up with an idea to merge the nation's power grid with its system of highways and byways into an "electric road" that would power homes, businesses and vehicles.The Brusaws have drawn up plans for a road system built of 12-foot-by-12-foot solar panels rather than asphalt. The panels would draw energy from the sun to power surrounding homes and businesses, and provide the foundation for a new "smart" power grid.
The idea has a long way to go before it's on the ground, but the federal government is willing to give it a shot. Solar Roadways was recently awarded a $100,000 SBIR Phase 1 grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation to build a prototype solar road panel for testing and demonstration. If it pans out, Brusaw said phase two could include an additional $750,000 over two years.
Brusaw estimates that one mile of solar roadway could supply a little less than one megawatt enough energy to power as many as 500 homes.
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The idea has a long way to go before it's on the ground, but the federal government is willing to give it a shot. Solar Roadways was recently awarded a $100,000 SBIR Phase 1 grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation to build a prototype solar road panel for testing and demonstration. If it pans out, Brusaw said phase two could include an additional $750,000 over two years.
Brusaw estimates that one mile of solar roadway could supply a little less than one megawatt enough energy to power as many as 500 homes.
see more
Labels: energy, solar, technology
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