Solar Roadways are complex structures of uniquely constructed solar panels. They were designed in the shape of a hexagon to accommodate curves and hills. (Initial design was 12ft x 12ft panel) Cable Corridor - sector that contains cables and stormwater capture system 3 Layers

1. SOLAR ROADWAYS
By
SATHISHKUMAR G
(sathishsak111@gmail.com)

2. What are Solar Roadways?
• Solar Roadways are complex structures of
uniquely constructed solar panels.
• They were designed in the shape of a hexagon to
accommodate curves and hills. (Initial design was
12ft x 12ft panel)
• Cable Corridor - sector that contains cables and
stormwater capture system
• 3 Layers

3. Layers
• Top Layer - Tempered Glass:
• durable, transmits light well, textured for grip, lasts 20+ years
• Middle Layer - Electronics:
• LEDs, illuminates panels
• Solar Cells, sends energy to storage system, important during night
• Heating Element, stops ice and snow from accumulating, only on
when needed
• Base Layer - Recycled Materials

5. What is the Purpose of a Solar
Roadway?
• Solar Roadways will primarily be used to generate clean
renewable energy on anything drivable and walkable,
sidewalks, plazas, etc.
• Makes generally unutilized space useful by taking the solar
energy that hits these surfaces and converts it into
electricity.
• Requires little maintenance.
• Very smart
• Hexagons talk to each other and can detect when other cells are broken

6. Applications
• Heats roads
• LEDs allow for quick adaptations
• illuminate lines, road hazards, passing emergency vehicles
• Especially the ability to power buildings

7. Solar Roadway Relevance
• Very green due to recycled base, and decreased
use of fossil fuels
• Pays for itself over time
• With advances in technology, the road
infrastructure stays the same. Important to
create better and safer highways to keep up
with technology.
• Urban stormwater pollution is large source of
pollution in the nation’s water. The SR system
also has a stormwater capture system, in the
cable corridor, that allows it to be pumped
anywhere.

8. History of Solar Roads
• Sweden have been circulating hot water
under the roads for de-icing for over 30
years (Refocus, Bill Holdsworth).
• In the Netherlands, BetonSon has
developed solar roads with “smart
technologies”.
• In 2004, BetonSon was contracted
construct a 18km six lane motorway
using this technology
• The project has been plagued with
delays to due to economic woes.

9. Current Solar Road Infrastructure and
Research
• Solar runways can eliminate ice
and snow from airport surfaces,
which eliminates the need for
snowplows
• These solar runways can collect
thermal energy from tarmac and
heat the runway.
• Amsterdam, Frankfurt Airport,
and London Heathrow are
considering these technologies.

10. Current Solar Road Infrastructure
and Research
• In 2008, researchers at the WPI
published a paper saying that it is
viable to run water under asphalt
roads to generate steam (American
Ceramic Society Journal).
• Roads are resurfaced every 10-
12 years
• Researchers and engineers
were developing a proof of
concept at the time of the
article was published.

11. The Future of Solar Roads
• Solar Roadways- Received funding for solar roads
in Idaho
• Hope to replace all highways one day
• Solar roads need to be tested to see if they are:
• feasible financially
• effective in producing power
• safe for drivers
• More research will be needed for reducing costs and
efficiency

12. Conclusion
• Green way of reaching the world’s energy
needs
• Safer
• Easier to replace
• Some testing and implementation has been
completed
• ….But much more is needed

13. THANK YOU
•