Thank you video from Solar Roadways

[@EyeAmKyle]

There is a few problems I see with this.... 1) Just the cost of the glass paving itself would make this an extremely expensive endeavor. 2) Glass tends to very slippy when dirty or wet which roads often are, no tests have been shown for these conditions or an emergency stop in dry weather. 3) Dirt would act like sandpaper on the glass making it smoother and more opaque, simultaneously reducing its suitability as a road surface and lowering energy output (less energy reaches the cell). 4) Even super bright LEDs are difficult to see at a shallow angle during strong sunlight, this means that most roads would still have to have painted on markings anyway. It is instead much more efficient just to equip cars with headlights and place cat's eyes in the roads, some urban roads may need a dynamic road system but these are by far the exception. 5) Energy transport losses will mean that for any road surface that isn't near a point of use (e.g. a house), this will technology will be essentially useless. 6) These solar cells are not going to generate enough power to melt snow, it is much more energy efficient just to push snow off the road and grit the road. 7) The claim of the use of recycled glass is ridiculous. 8) Roads are not made out of separate tiles as a)water will filter through the cracks and erode the material beneath the road and b) vehicles rolling over the tiles will cause differential loading leading the tiles to wiggle loose. 9) It would be much easier and cheaper just to install solar panels above parking space and/or by the side of the road rather than underneath it.

[@maxdudey]

although I want this product to happen world wide, and am a bit critical of the people who don't. I would like to see each of these questions answered, as they all make perfect sense.

[@Guitareben]

Wow, I saw literally all the exact same points in a Thunderf00t video... :D

[@Guitareben]

What are you talking about? Asphalt is recycled at a rate of over 99% Source: www.asphaltpavement.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=25&Itemid=45

[@Guitareben]

Second, how on earth do you recycle coloured glass to the CLEAR glass needed for solar panels? And no, the FAQ does not address the LONG TERM durability (should be 20+ years) Glass is soft, and glass covered in soil and dust, being driven over by cars CONSTANTLY, will end up very smooth, and also very opaque (think - burnished glass). It doesn't matter how complex their surface on the glass, it will get worn down very quickly. Just do a quick google search of sea glass. It doesn't take long (and that stuff is only in the sea, without the weight of cars grinding soil, dirt and dust against it all day) The heating thing is bullshit. Making ice at 0 degrees C transition to water at 0 degrees C uses as much energy as heating water from 0 - 70 degrees C. (according to Thunderfoots video) The energy bill would be astronomical. And it wouldn't even be able to use the sunlight - our current road surfaces absorb more light than solar panels, and all of it is radiated as heat, and they still get covered in snow.

[@0oBlitzoo]

Guitareben another oil investor trying to blemish a great idea. Watch the original Solar Roadways video.

[@SeanHarris10]

you should do this video in the day so we can actually see how useless this is

[@SeanHarris10]

+mastr139 but they never do tests in the day. The problem is the lights can't be seen which makes the entire project worthless.

[@fipso12]

Sean Harris lights can be seen during the day you moron... you might not be able to see white lights very well but these are coloured you idiot...

[@SeanHarris10]

fipso12 keep drinking the kool aid man. If they can be seen they could easily do this video during the day. It would show their usability. Every video they do is at night or in a dark garage. Is it really too much to ask to see how they look during the day. You aren't curious?

[@fipso12]

dude i know you can see led lights in the day if they are coloured you moron i dont need proof from these guys know that...

[@SeanHarris10]

That's why people love looking at led Christmas lights during the day huh? Stop trying to make this seem feasible based on its coolness factor

[@MadSparks164]

Though this is a great idea, and I wish we could do it - As thunderf00t explained, its just not possible.

[@cinnamonapple7488]

from the most PESSIMISTIC viewpoint ever, it could at least work on driveways and some parking lots. Actually, the most pessimistic viewpoint ever would be that nuclear war would hit us before this could come to fruition, but that's just crazy, I pray for someone who thinks like that.

[@MadSparks164]

Yes, I can see its use in patios and gardens etc, some applications but not wide scale implementation as suggested.

[@cinnamonapple7488]

i wouldn't underestimate the government, definitely not the american government. although they may not usually work for good, they are a force to be reckoned with. That being said, I wouldn't underestimate the power of the people on this one either. They want this and they want it bad. I actually see it happening.

[@MadSparks164]

Caroline Berner Only time will tell but its financially impossible even if you ignore the roadways many flaws (Daytime operation, dirt buildup, maintenance, glass weardown, melting snow energy etc)... I can't see it being used for roads but perhaps some in some niche applications. Its a fantastic idea but it simply doesn't work out... :/

[@marijn14marijn]

This will never work on a roadway.

[@repettohome8562]

That is very positive.

[@cinnamonapple7488]

they're literally called solar roadways.

[@marijn14marijn]

Caroline Berner Yes, correct. American football is also called American football but that doesn't mean they use their foot. There are many reasons that this is by far not a feasible and efficient solution. It is really not hard to see for someone with a good background in engineering. Some simple reasons for you: 1 - To achieve maximum efficiency solar panels need to stay clean, roadways are very dirty. 2 - They are made from glass which will wear and become opaque thus reducing the efficiency. 3 - Have you ever been on a tiled roadway? If so you will notice that tiles after a while will get out of place and the road becomes very bumpy. I can make up many, many more reasons. It is just better and simpler to place them NEXT TO the roadway.

[@cinnamonapple7488]

they address many of these issues on their website. including efficiency with a more opaque surface. also, it's not just rock tiles set in tarmac or on dirt. they are interconnected panels made of glass and metal able to be replaced individually. I'm about to graduate high school and i know that.

[@marijn14marijn]

I am sorry but this is just much more practical next to a roadway. Only the costs and maintenance to implement this is a roadway are huge. High school you say? Sorry but I am a master student in engineering and also know quite some stuff in renewable energy and economics.

[@chrissindone76]

Millions of jobs for manufacturing them and installing/maintaining and at the same time free up all the money that gets used for salt, fuel, and man hours, I just see all positives with this. Good luck to you I will keep up on news of this. Hope to see you in the u.s soon

[@Guitareben]

You can make millions of jobs building a giant pyramid covered in gold, doesn't make it a cost effective way of spending the money. It's a ridiculous idea, and it won't work, because a) it costs way too much, and b) glass, especially wet glass, is a terrible road surface.

[@Sparkz1607]

Yes... Yes! *steeples fingers* First the parking lots, then... *THE WORLD!!!* *_MWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA_*

[@eggo0388]

XD

[@paulaculaciati]

Thank you! From Argentina where we need clean and cheap energy also! Congratulations!

[@manny27392]

Scott Brusaw, did you think of adding Graphene in ANY WAY into your solar panels? Apparently it is a very effective solar panel.

[@glenbartholomew1058]

Hundreds of people in a plaza, silhouetted by this panel's lights at night, would take the sun salutation to a whole new level!

[@nickstarkey4976]

Can we please start with the US? I know the world needs it but let's just start with our country.

[@bud2838]

Even if it will surely start with the US it's quite a stupid reaction you have...

[@harishpurohit5626]

A great work done in this century- Keep it up Scott.

[@nicholaspesch5086]

Uh can I just say that you two are super awesome people, and you truly are making the world a better place. Thank you! :)

[@7DRAGNX]

I want to see them putting solar panels on the roads of Nepal, where one panel is probably a significant amount more worth than the average annual income.

[@NoNameC68]

From their website: "Wouldn't it make more sense to just build canopies over the roads to hold the solar panels? That way, we wouldn't have to be able to drive on them? No. It would be incredibly expensive as you would still have to pay for our current road systems." And we wouldn't have to pay for our road systems if we adopted solar paneled roads? "If we still had to build current roads plus pay for the canopies, the cost would likely be so high that taxes would have to be raised to cover it." This is true. But this doesn't take into consideration the cost of solar powered roadways. "And it would leave our highway system just the way it is - crumbling and antiquated. Imagine taking a family vacation on one of these roads. It would feel much like being in a covered parking garage with a roof right over your car! Then there would have to be pillars all along the road holding up the canopy, which would be unsightly and could lead to increased accidents." The canopy was only offered as an alternative to solar powered parking lots. Their website also tries to argue that there's still a lot of space in parking lots that would receive light, even when filled by cars. You need to keep in mind that each parked car represents solar panels that are not in use. These solar panels, however, cost money. It would be more efficient to not have solar panels within the parking spots. At least arguing for a hybrid system in which some roadways aren't covered with solar panels would make this project at least a little less ridiculous. "After one of the panels was cleaned,we monitored their performance throughout the day. It was sunny that day, and we learned that the clean panel produced less than 9-percent more power than the dirt covered panel. So even if we find that it's difficult to keep the panels clean, it may not be the issue many expect." 9% is actually a pretty big difference.

[@Roundswithnocontext]

how much does 1 solar slab cost to make? and the dimensions?

[@chrissindone76]

Very awesome idea guys. I hope it really takes off.... It would really change the world truely revolutionary.... I hope to see it in the u.s. I live in Michigan our roads are horrible because the harsh winters this winter was brutal the roads are very bad now. This being heated would stop that since the salt they use for snow removal is just as damaging to the roads as the freezing temps are not to mention the rust on cars& bridges& stuff from the salt. It would make electric bill lower& create

[@iHaveOneArm]

***** Explain how it isn't possible

[@iHaveOneArm]

If you did your research you'd see that they handle a large John Deer pretty easily yes I know those don't weigh as much as an 18 wheeler or most cars but trial and error this isn't the final product either note that in the video they said "Prototype"

[@iHaveOneArm]

OKay then....that kinda just blew a hole in my reasoning

[@AndersHass]

How well is the lighting outside when the sun is up?

[@admjski]

I really hope solar roadways begin to take off and appear in every country. It could solve many of the worlds problems!

[@NoNameC68]

Why solar roadways? Why not solar roofs or solar farms? What benefit does solar roadways provide above alternatives? 1. Answer: Solar roadways would allow us to use LEDs to light up the roads. Problem: Other than the needless light pollution this would create, what would be the point of lighting up parts of the road nobody is using? This is a waste of energy. Real World Solution: Headlights on cars. 2. Answer: Solar roadways could use LEDs to change road markings. Problem: Almost all roads in the U.S. do not need to be changed - ever. Real World Solution: Traffic signs and road cones. 3. Answer: Solar roadways can be used to melt snow. Problem: It takes a considerable amount of energy to melt snow. Keep in mind, snow accumulates during the time of year when days are shorter and the skies are often cloudier than usual. It's already been proven that the amount of energy needed to melt snow would be more than that created by the solar panels. Real World Solution: Snow plows and salt. The problem with this solution is that not all roadways are properly salted, and some aren't even plowed. But it would be much cheaper plowing and salting every roadway in America than using a road to warm them up. All that remains is the question of efficiency. Why spend the money to create super complex solar powered roadways? Even if we don't use LEDs and we don't have to worry about snow, what advantage would solar powered roads provide over solar powered roofs or solar farms? Solar panels in roadways would require glass to cover them up as to both protect them from the cars above and to allow light to pass through. But why not just put solar panels some place where we don't need to cover them up at all? More importantly, solar panels lose efficiency when they are placed on a flat surface. They should be tilted as a means of capturing as much sun light as possible. Don't even get me started on how useless glass is as a road for heavy vehicles! In conclusion: Solar powered roadways is an overly complex solution in which simpler, more efficient, alternatives are overlooked. www.tubechop.com/watch/3011369 "The best solution to a problem is usually the easiest one." -GLaDOS, Portal 2

[@Madesic]

NoNameC68 They didn't say that their isn't gonna solar roofs or farms this is just another idea like solar roofs was once another idea and people like you thought it would never work but now look.

[@NoNameC68]

Now look, over 99% of buildings don't have solar roofs. Sometimes, people say, "That's not possible," and they're proven wrong. More often than not though, when people say, "That's not possible", they're right.

[@Madesic]

NoNameC68 But your 1 hater vs. 2 million backers I think were right. (: PS where I come from 1 out 4 buildings have solar panels including my house.

[@TheWolverineGT]

OMFG i spreading the news as fast as i can. I thought it was a hoax, BUT omg its perfect!!!! TY so much for inventing this!!

[@bushylingus6272]

How will solar road work with the shade of traffic jams?

[@MIAsROCKSTARK1LL3r]

Aside from all the scepticism I believe that this is the future. In my opinion it is the single greatest idea that anyone has come up in the 21st century. Its simple and very realistic to achieve. Its amazing to think how simple minded people are and are quick to judge. Keep up the good work and hopefully someday soon I will be cruising along on these SOLAR FREAKING ROADWAYS!

[@themartkoz]

yes maybe we will be but then whose pockets will we be lining ask colby were he will be and sees the rolls of supportors after all, we not funding a non profit company that doing all this for the good of the people or have i misunderstood colby atitude to people who putting time and money to help make this happen, are we mugs

[@cinnamonapple7488]

Mart Kozrak this is a country running on capitalism, of course there's going to be profit, it's the only way the idea will succeed. Also, if it's going to people like the Brusaws, I'm not complaining. We need to keep these people alive and inventing/innovating. How bout we focus on the amazing breakthrough of this new idea. With enough positive citizen energy behind it from the start, it can be protected from going wrong. You feel me?

[@themartkoz]

the idea will work if the people all get behind it. if it just another business with a fat cat on top and just simply profit and capilistic driven then it not the technology to set people free and to rise above a simple rat race

[@NoNameC68]

Do you even understand how much these roadways would cost? You have to be a moron to think computerized roads will somehow be cheaper and easier to maintain than asphalt roads.

[@Madesic]

I want to look back at you people in a history book and say you started the future. I love this idea and the endless possibility's this. Its amazing has how dedicated you are to your project and I aspire to be like you someday. (:

[@danerang]

although I am kind of skeptical on how this'll work, I'm excited to see where it goes!

[@TheAmazinTacoChannel]

Can you upload a video where you have these LEDs on in the sunlight during the day, please?

[@benshotton1122]

*THIS IS AN AMAZING IDEA! IF THIS GOES AHEAD THE WORLD WILL A MUCH BETTER PLACE AND IT WILL SAVE SO MUCH MONEY! INCREDIBLE!*

[@NoNameC68]

It won't save any money. The asphalt needed to cover your driveway would cost you about 2000-3000 dollars. A solar electric system for your home costs roughly 7000 dollars. This is according to google. Neither of these include installment costs. Now, keep in mind that installing a solar electric panel in your driveway would require even more material than just the system itself - as well as more advanced technology to weight objects and to control LEDs. I can't see this being any cheaper than 10,000 dollars for a single driveway. Of course this is all rough estimation, but it's not hard to figure out that computers are more expensive than asphalt. And if you believe it would be cheaper to build computerized roads rather than roads of asphalt, you're delusional.

[@GameHEADtime]

I want this for my house! I also would make them for my roof so i could walk on it without solar panels latched on and it would make roofing non required and i can light up my roof or make a house out of this lol roof sound good trust me with this being roof i have some ideas that if you miss it won't be cool but as soon as you sell these if i can put them together on my roof with out water going through that would be awesome also drive way so work on software for people like me who want the control for consumers who own on private property and more :D Sell some with cameras too for home security another idea maybe not lol

[@cobaltshieldgaming2885]

Solar road's? Yet they still haven't invented hover board's.

[@austinhenson18]

MR and Mrs brusaw. Montana sauce in hanson I am from texas currently I am going to job corp to come on an electrition I dream of the day when I can work on these roads and have a well paying job and people would have a better life I just know this is going to work out for you guys and I know you guys are going to need an army of workmanship to help you out

[@RobbyArthur]

keep up the good work!!! the world needs this!!!

[@The_General_Zubas]

looks so cool! i wish i could have helped with money, but i wont stop s[eading with word, good luck on production, let me knwo if yall build a plant in detroit!

[@DJRobbie54]

I wish them well.

[@jeremymcelwrath1686]

It needs more testing before I'm sold on it.

[@cmpogbenja1]

I can see why people are so negativev about this, because it really has it´s flaws, but still, it´s a great projekt and people should stoop hating and start seeing to this projekts perfection!

[@susankilgore8263]

I believe it to be one of the great innovations and ideas of our time! I would love to be a part of such great new technology in any capacity! Too bad closed minds don't keep closed mouths!

[@NoNameC68]

This idea is as innovative as a led zeppelin. Just because an idea seems innovative doesn't necessarily mean it's going to work. The reason so many people are scrutinizing this idea is because it's been PROVEN that it will be far too costly. That's a fact. All the other claims made for this project have not successfully been tested yet. However, there are many tests that already suggest this idea is going to fail. For example, having multiple modules making up our roads will result in them becoming uneven as cars drive over them - this is clearly seen in brick roads already. Close minded? No. A close mind would reject this idea before looking at the counter arguments. An open mind accepts this idea without scrutiny. We have a filtered mind as to leave as many bad ideas out of our heads as possible.

[@Madesic]

NoNameC68 I've read a lot of your comments and your just a hater who likes to write long paragraphs of bullshit and say your a geniuses. have you even looked at their website because im guessing you haven't. Hey maybe if you look at the website you become a decent person.(:

[@MallikaLucie]

All new inventions deal with the "naysayers" - almost everything was deemed impossible until a passionate person with a dream made it possible

[@huge_balls]

Right but this project calls for materials that don't exist or unrealistic amounts of money. Until we have those things, it's not going to happen.

[@Virtuallag]

Thats nice. Lobys of petrol in the world are stupid enouth to Take down this incredable work. From Portugal.... Very Well done. Hope one Day I can Ride My bike There

[@MiniHitman]

You guys keep going ... What your doing is great

[@artmunozd]

Hay you guys! I'm in the solar industry here in Mexico. I can tell, that we are so eager to bring your idea to Mexico, but I'll do it with my company for sure. I'll be in touch with you guys. Saludos Desde Mexico.

[@TomConstable]

This is truly amazing what these people are creating!

[@MicmakDK]

just sell it to denmark. we want that !!!

[@benalvarado752]

i want a help with this!!!!

[@monorxHD]

Congratulations, you are making future something of the past

[@willowotaku74]

I do believe that there may be more effecient ways of incorporating solar panels into society; all of these people angrily opposing solar roads by suggesting more effecient methods, why aren't you applying these methods to reality? Make something of your ideas, or agree with the solutions at hand. There will always be pros and cons to any invention, the important facts that we need to concentrate on, are the facts about reducing fossil fuels, and carbon emmissions. Facts about how tonsustain the planet that WE ALL LIVE ON.

[@The_GuyWhoNeverUploadsAnything]

Going nuclear.

[@austinhenson18]

I am so sorry darn autocomplete this is so embarrassing

[@MgonX]

so So SO AWESOME! :-D

[@rafalpilat145]

Why dont you make this video in the day

[@davidwhitt3299]

u going in uk around nottinghamshire soon

[@virusonly4225]

This is my seminar topic💖

[@MeandYoutoo8]

Love you.

[@markmartin6594]

what about light pollution I like the stars

[@smartbart80]

swing much?

[@austinhenson18]

Sorry darn spell check that's so embarrassing.

[@iluvmahname]

Top fucking kek

[@HaroldFromSpace]

As someone who wants this project to succeed and has spent JUST A LITTLE time researching everything behind this project, it is incredibly frustrating to read some of the ignorant and ridiculous comments on your videos or 'stories' written by website journalists. I can only imagine how much it must frustrate you. Seriously people, check out their website at least before you say that it can never work.

[@lethauntic]

Then, why so little on the demonstration side? I'd like to see what it looks like when the snow melts, or the lights change into different patterns fit for a driveway or parking lot, or are those all just concept ideas for the solar roadways?

[@HaroldFromSpace]

fair point. They really do need to show more if they want more support.

[@Madesic]

Dakota German You didn't look at their website Enough. go on the website click gallery and look for the tractor driving on it I've seen it and its amazing!

[@HaroldFromSpace]

jonathan cole I've actually watched everything they have and ya it is pretty sweet but if they provided even more video footage i think it would get them more support.

[@Madesic]

Dakota German Yeah I would like more videos and proof that the concept works but I have hopes for the project.