Route 66 has been one of America’s favorite landmarks for a long time and millions of tourists and other road users take to the road on this challenging route each and every year. Established back in 1926, it is one of the countries oldest and original highways within the U.S. Highway System. However, it may soon be getting a facelift and may no longer look like the traditional Route 66 as we know it.
Plans have gone underway by the Missouri Department of Transportation to line parts of Route 66 with energy-generating photovoltaic solar pavers. This type of technology is not entirely new, as solar pavements are already in existence, but these solar road panels are and will be used first at the Historic Route 66 Welcome Center in Conway, Missouri.
Although initially, this is still a test operation, it could pave the way for future roads to be able to generate power. In doing this, the roads will be able to be able to essentially fund their maintenance from the money it has accumulated in selling off its excess power. If this idea does catch on as the team at Solar Roadways are hoping it could mean big changes ahead.
The panel is a hexagonal shape and is made of toughened materials that can withstand the heavyweights of trucks and other large vehicles. In size, they are approximately 4.4 square feet, and each panel can produce 48 watts of electricity. Not only will these special pavers save the country a fortune in electricity costs, but they will also prevent the build up of adverse weather conditions like ice or snow by having heating elements inside them.
An extra added benefit for electric car drivers is that when the idea of cordless charging comes into full swing, drivers can take advantage of the free energy from the road and charge while driving! The current pavers are expected to be installed in Missouri later this year, and once that has been unveiled, who knows where might be next.
Source; SolarRoadways.com
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