The world’s first solar highway is now open for testing and it’s completely awesome. The kilometer-long stretch of nascent technology consists of an insulating layer on the bottom, photovoltaic panels in the middle, and transparent concrete on top.
The solar panels will generate roughly 1 million kilowatt-hours of electricty in a year, that can power roughly 800 homes. Excess energy will be sent to the state grid.
This special highway does more than just generate electricity - it’s a clean energy lab that tests other technologies, including wireless charging for e-vehicles that can also provide internet connection.
At a cost of $458 per square meter, the solar road is more expensive than traditional asphalt, yet the project shows how renewables can be used in a variety of scenarios.
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