Provide necessary funding for extensive and innovative research toward figuring out how to efficiently and effectively use solar power; not only in ways to help remove or prevent ice and snow dangers on roadways, but in other arenas, too. Technology needs to reach the level where the devices we manufacture are capable of delivering a truly worthwhile return on investment in the short and long term.
Integrate advanced solar technology, new materials, manufacturing techniques and innovative concepts into road-making processes and materials, including such roadway adjuncts and accessories as signage, barriers, paving substances, road-base designs and materials, bridges, guardrails and more. Our roadways need to be designed as complete solar-energy systems in and of themselves, engineered and built to take full advantage of the power available from the sun.
Understand--and put to use--all research and experience of past and current developments, and extend those to higher levels of intimacy with how nature draws its sustaining power from the sun. Some pioneers in the industry are learning how to do just that.
Build it. Put together the newly designed roadway system that makes use of a complete solar-collection and utilization system, engineered specifically with prevention of ice and snow danger as the main objective. Make it so every piece possible is being energized by the sun.
Build a road base with geothermal conduction assist--that is, make use of earth's solar and core-driven warmth below several feet of depth, where temperature remains constant at around 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Bring that heat to the surface to help warm the pavement. Use base materials that are known to enhance solar absorption even through layers of pavement material.
Use pavement material designed to absorb solar radiation. Bituminous concrete might become outdated, as new materials, concepts and technologies grow into use. Use guardrails, medians, signage, bridges and other usual roadway components as solar-collector structures to help power roadbed and pavement-warming systems.
Fund appropriately to design, engineer, build, operate and maintain new roadway solar-collection and utilization systems. Even though the power from the sun is delivered free, making efficient use of it to prevent ice and snow on roadways is not. The benefits, over time, will undoubtedly prove to be well worth the necessary financial burden such an infrastructure will bring upon the public.
