Ambitious solar energy project finds success with funding campaign

Solar Roadways successfully raises more than $1.5 million in funding through Indiegogo

Solar Roadways, an ambitious project that seeks to turn U.S. roads into large solar energy systems, has been successfully funded on Indiegogo. The project turned to the crowd funding platform in order to generate financial support from those interested in renewable energy, but the platform has also been a powerful marketing tool, helping to raise awareness for the project  very quickly in a short amount of time. The project had sought to raise $1 million, but managed to raise more than $1.5 million in only a few days.

Project aims to transform US roadways

The project is massive in scope. Turning the country’s millions of miles of roadways into solar energy generators is not something that can be accomplished in a matter of a few short years. The project is expected to focus on smaller goals for the time being, many of which may be able to serve as proof-of-concept endeavors, showcasing the project’s actual ability to produce electric energy in a new way. Smaller-scale projects could include installing the project’s innovative solar panels in parking lots, with the energy that these panels generate being used to power stores and business buildings.

Project has an ambitious goal that could take decades to complete

Converting the country’s roadways into solar power generators is estimated to cost a total of $56 trillion. This is something that would take decades to accomplish, and the project would not find success in such an ambitious endeavor without some degree of government support. The project aims to install highly durable, hexagonal solar panels on roadways. These panels are equipped with LEDs that serve the same purpose as painted signals on roads. The panels are to be connected to a central monitoring system that can easily and quickly identify any malfunctions in the technology.

Some businesses show interest in Solar Roadways

Solar Roadways is an ambitious endeavor and has managed to attract a great deal of support from the private sector. Some businesses have already shown interest in the project, but whether or not small-scale projects will be supported by these businesses has yet to be seen.