The sun is giant ball of energy. In reference to the earth is giant ball of solar energy. Solar power is the utilization of the sun's natural energy as a source of electricity. It uses the solar energy from the sun and converts into electricity via photovoltaic cells which are usually made out of silicon.
Capturing this energy has been around for some time. Newer uses are developed often but few are implemented due to the high cost of material and manufacturing. None the less company's engineers, scientist are looking for more efficient ways to continue use of solar energy.
Solar powered freeways is a relatively new idea that has high potential for capturing the suns energy efficiently. Few freeways have used solar energy but not in the way of actual roadway.Implementation of light posts and signs have been lit via solar power LED's for a while. Lighting up the roadway via marker's, divider's and solar LED's. This can improve safety and help us to leave a greener footprint on our earth. According to the popular science magazine article (popsci.com), the company Solar Roadway was given a $100,000 from the Department of Transportation to upstart there Research and Deveolpment for the implementation of the roadways.
"Each Solar Road panel can develop around 7.6 kwh of power each day, and each costs around $7,000. If widely adopted, they could realistically wean the US off fossil fuels: a mile-long stretch of four-lane highway could take 500 homes off the grid. If the entire US Interstate system made use of the panels, energy would no longer be a concern for the country."
This is a very useful way to utilize the suns solar energy to help illuminate dark roadways and take thousands of home of the power grid which decrease dependency on the grid.
Check the links below for more info.
Solar Power Freeways - Popular Science Article
Solar Roadways
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