Solar Road Tiles

 
Solar energy has long been due for a comeback and now we see it in all kinds of seemingly unlikely places like windows, roofs and now even roads. The solar road tiles are made of photovoltaic glass and they are hexagonal solar panels which are laid down in thousands to create a solar road. The sheer element of the cost of these tiles has kept the trend contained although there have been a couple of successful bike paths in the US and the Netherlands to suggest the concept is very effective.
 

Cons

• One major issue with the solar road tiles is that they are essentially panels which mean that the surface needs to be kept clear in order for them to function. While passing or even parked vehicles is not a problem, as soon as some dirt or mold starts to form on these panels they shut down per their programming and no longer generate any power. Specialists are now debating whether roads can ever be kept spotless enough for such tiles to perform their function on the scale needed.
• According to ExtremeTech Magazine the cost of replacing roads in the United States with these tiles amounts to $56 trillion which means that they aren’t feasible in the least even with their considerable advantages for the community. This is not to say that certain areas cannot be revamped with this technology so that the carbon footprint can be lessened.
 

Pros

• These solar road tiles are exceptionally durable since they can withstand even the weight of the largest trucks without cracking. Concrete and rubber has been added to the structure to make them more pliable to heat application and also sturdier. They can last up to thirty years under normal conditions and there is no regular upkeep needed as is the case with asphalt road tiles.
• They are an inspiring and revolutionary concept because they signal hope that the world can turn to and rely on renewable energy if creative and innovations energy solutions are opted for above conventional ways. Successful road projects can turn more people to the cause since for the layman solar power technology might still be a far-fetched reality.
• The glass which is used is tempered glass so it is very sensitive to sunlight enabling large amounts of energy to be generated and it is at the same extremely durable so even trucks can pass by without causing so much as a scratch.
• Solar road tiles are not limited to roads per se and can be used for residential areas, junctions, highways, pedestrian crosses and so on.
 

Lesser Known Facts

Solar road tiles have in-built LED bulbs which actually turn on at night and can make night drivers and passersby have a really ethereal feeling since the road will be glowing. Furthermore solar road tiles are not stand alone units but are connected to an external power grid which means they are supplying rather than using any power for themselves. The LED lights as per their designing use very little power.