June 28, 2014
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Solar Roadways: Revolutionizing the Future of Transportation

Solar Roadways Project Attracts 35.000+ Funders So Far

First there were electric cars, now there are Solar Roadways. This revolutionary initiative to change the way we utilize the nation’s millions of miles of roadways. Essentially by turning them into power sources. Well, it just set the record for the highest number of individual funders to an Indiegogo crowdfunding campaign.

Artist's rendition of an interstate at dusk Graphic artist: Sam Cornett — Artist’s rendition of an interstate at dusk
Graphic artist: Sam Cornett

More than 35,000 people from 42 countries have helped an innovative couple from Idaho, Scott and Julie Brusaw. All to surpass their Indiegogo crowdfunding goal of $1,000,000. Most notable, there are still three more days to go.

Solar Roadways could also pay for itself through clean power generation.

Solar Roadways Campaign

The Solar Roadways campaign also states that it will improve road safety. Especially by providing LED lighting that replaces paint. In addition, it can be changed at the touch of a button. Essentially prevent accidents. That’s by providing advance illuminated warning of animals or debris on the road.

Moreover, it can provide an environmentally friendly way to melt snow without salt and sand.

Indiegogo Record

More interestingly, the previous record holder for the most Indiegogo contributors was the campaign by Matthew Inman (The Oatmeal). He was to create a new museum for the original pioneer in electricity, Nikola Tesla (33,000 funders).

Artist's rendition of Sandpoint, Idaho - Home of Solar Roadways, Graphic artist: Sam Cornett — Artist’s rendition of Sandpoint, Idaho – Home of Solar Roadways
Graphic artist: Sam Cornett

Indiegogo

For starters, Indiegogo launched in 2008 as the world’s first crowdfunding platform. So it is dedicated to allowing anyone, anywhere to fund what matters to them.

As the world’s funding engine, Indiegogo democratizes access to capital. In addition, it helps innovators around the world improve society. Most notably by turning their ideas into reality.

Did you know:

First of all, Solar Roadways has received two phases of funding from the U.S. Federal Highway Administration. That’s for research and also development of a paving system. One that will most certainly pay for itself over its lifespan.

They are about to wrap up a Phase II contract. That’s to build a prototype parking lot. For now it needs to raise funding for production.

Glass Surface Testing

Their glass surface has been tested. All for traction, load testing, and also impact resistance. Most notably, it’s been going through testing in civil engineering laboratories around the country. Of course, it has exceeded all requirements.

In addition, Solar Roadways is a modular system. One that will certainly modernize our aging infrastructure. That’s with an intelligent interconnected system. One that can also become the new Smart Grid.

GE Ecomagination Challenge

As well, they won the Community Award of $50,000. That’s by getting the most votes in GE’s Ecomagination Challenge. All for “Powering the Grid” in 2010. We had the most votes again in their 2011 Ecomagination Challenge for “Powering the Home”.

Many More Awards

On August 21, 2013, Solar Roadways was also selected by their peers as a Finalist in the World Technology Award For Energy. This was presented in association with TIME, Fortune, CNN, and Science. Solar Roadways was chosen by Google to be one of their Moonshots in May of 2013.

Furthermore, Solar Roadways was also chosen as a finalist in the IEEE Ace Awards in 2009 and 2010.

Finally, Solar Roadways has also given presentations around the country including: TEDx Sacramento, Google’s Solve for X at Google’s NYC Headquarters, NASA, Keynote Speaker for the International Parking Institute’s Conference and much more…

Solar Roadways is also tackling more than solar energy:

For starters, the FHWA tasked them with addressing the problem of stormwater. Currently, over 50% of the pollution in U.S. waterways comes from stormwater. They have also created a section in their Cable Corridors for storing, treating, and moving stormwater.

The implementation of this concept on a grand scale will create thousands of jobs in the U.S. and around the world. It will allow them all the ability to manufacture our way out of our current economic crisis.

Source: Solar Roadways