Is solar roadways still in business reddit
Yes, Solar Roadways is still in business and continues to innovate sustainable energy solutions through their solar panel road technology. Join the discussion on Reddit to learn more about their latest projects and developments in renewable energy.
Solar roadways, a groundbreaking technology that promised to revolutionize the way we generate and use energy, captured the imagination of the public when it was first introduced. With the potential to generate clean, renewable energy from the surface of roads, the concept seemed like a game-changer in the fight against climate change. However, as time has passed and skepticism has grown, many are left wondering: is solar roadways still in business?
The company behind the solar roadways concept, Solar Roadways Inc., was founded by Scott and Julie Brusaw in 2006. The idea was to replace traditional asphalt and concrete roads with solar panels made of tempered glass that could withstand the weight of even the heaviest vehicles. These solar roadways would not only generate electricity to power street lights, traffic signals, and nearby buildings, but also provide a host of other benefits, such as heating elements to melt snow and ice, LED lights to provide warnings and directions, and even sensors to detect wildlife on the road.
Despite the grand vision and the potential benefits, the reality of solar roadways has been more challenging. The high cost of production, the limited efficiency of the solar panels, and the difficulties in implementing the technology on a large scale have all contributed to the slow progress of the project. In fact, Solar Roadways Inc. ran into financial difficulties in 2018 and was forced to lay off most of its staff and close its manufacturing facility.
However, despite these setbacks, the company has not disappeared entirely. In recent years, Solar Roadways Inc. has managed to secure funding through grants and partnerships with other organizations. The Brusaws have continued to work on developing the technology and improving its efficiency and durability. They have also launched a pilot project in their home state of Idaho, where a small section of solar roadways has been installed for testing and evaluation.
One of the main criticisms of solar roadways is the cost. The technology is still expensive to produce, making it difficult for cities and municipalities to justify the investment. In addition, the solar panels have been found to be less efficient than traditional rooftop solar panels, which means they generate less electricity for the amount of space they take up. This has led some to question whether solar roadways are a practical solution for generating renewable energy.
Another concern is the durability of the solar panels. While the tempered glass used in the panels is strong enough to withstand the weight of vehicles, it can still be damaged by heavy traffic or extreme weather conditions. This raises questions about the long-term viability of solar roadways as a sustainable and cost-effective solution for energy generation.
Despite these challenges, there are still supporters of the solar roadways concept who believe in its potential to transform the way we think about energy production. Proponents argue that the benefits of solar roadways, such as reducing carbon emissions, promoting energy independence, and improving road safety, outweigh the drawbacks. They point to the successful testing of the technology in Idaho as evidence that solar roadways can work in practice.
In conclusion, while solar roadways may have faced setbacks and challenges in recent years, the technology is not dead yet. Solar Roadways Inc. is still in business and continuing to develop and test its innovative concept. Whether solar roadways will become a mainstream solution for energy generation remains to be seen, but the idea is still alive and generating interest among those who believe in its potential. Only time will tell if solar roadways can fulfill its promise of a cleaner, greener future for all.