Imagine if the whole, beautifully paved world looked like this.
These are solar panels that, if placed in the place of roadways and other paving sites (parking lots, parks, etc) can produce more renewable energy than the entire country produces.
It’s currently in the prototype stage with amazing results. Plus, they can be used in all weather situations that will also make icy roads a thing of the past. Heating elements will melt any ice and snow that sits on top. Another thing, they come with LEDs inside so that you’ll have a better view of the road as you drive. All powered by solar energy.
I Fucking Love Science posted an article about it and it’s also raising money on indiegogo, which is disgustingly far from the goal. They have some pretty sweet gifts, including bumper stickers, a necklace containing pieces of the prototypes, and an entire working prototype of the plates.
BONUS: The prototypes were made of 10% recycled plastic AND can still handle the heaviest trucks. Imagine what the final product could do.
I urge everyone to at least reblog and spread the message so that hopefully this reaches the goal at May 31st. Projects like this hit me right in the heart because of my passion for renewable energy, which is what I hope to deal with once I’m done with my Engineering degree. I would gladly work on this project if I could, but for now I’m going to settle with donating as much as I can and spreading the word as far as possible.
So, signal boost! <3
Awesome
I wonder how this could be further adapted for diverting water flow during heavy rains?
I believe they have already planned for storm water flow – including treatment and redistribution of water to purify it in the cells before it returns to the ecosystem – not sure if there are plans for flood waters or other natural disasters, but really have even our current roads been prepared for that?
I think it’s important to add that this project has already received funding from the US Highway Federal Administration for research and development, and are now only looking for production funding. This isn’t a far-distant, maybe unattainable project, like so many we all see, it is one that is well within reach. So everybody GET MORE EXCITED ABOUT THIS.