Solar Roadway Smart Cells Setting Crowdfunding Record

Earlier this year, I briefly covered an innovative solar thermal road technology developed by Idaho residents Scott and Linda Brusaw. Well, their renewable energy concept is back in the news, this time gaining even more traction than before as their Indiegogo campaign has raised over $2 million, more than double the team's target goal.

There are more than 75,000 square kilometers of roadway in the US – and that doesn’t take into account all of the parking lots, bike paths and walkways that have also paved paradise. Maintaining all of that roadway takes a lot of money, taxing municipal and federal budgets alike, and also generates a significant amount of greenhouse gases. However, the Brusaws’ innovative smart tiles could potentially be the starting point for a major eco-friendly infrastructure renovation and revamp.

The smart hexagonal tiles being developed by Solar Roadways, the Brusaws’ company, feature a solar thermal heating element, LED technology and Cable Corridor to store and manage stormwater.

The tempered glass can reportedly withstand trucks weighing more than 100 metric tons and the modular interlocking system allows them to be installed and replaced almost effortlessly. What’s more, according to their Indiegogo description, “EVs will be able to charge with energy from the sun (instead of fossil fuels) from parking lots and driveways, and after a roadway system is in place, mutual induction will allow for charging while driving.”

And while individual investors have embraced the new solar roadway concept and the team's innovative technology, that’s not to say that larger organizations have ignored it. Quite the contrary, Google, GE, the US government, and TED have all recognized their contribution to the solving the energy crisis.

But as this article from The Economist so aptly points out, Smart Cells are more of a step in the right direction than a viable large-scale solution. The cost alone, estimated at 50%-300% more expensive than traditional asphalt roads, is reason enough for the average municipality to shy away from its implementation. Other issues involving maintenance and are durability over time have caused raised eyebrows.

Nevertheless, it’s promising to see such an engaged community supporting Solar Roadways and should send a clear message to the rest of the green building innovators that while cleantech investing has been mixed in 2014, there are still sources of financial support for entrepreneurs with green ideas.