According to some news, the authorities of the State of Missouri are planing to install solar panels on the part of the famous historical Route 66. The resulting energy would be used for road lighting, but also for melting snow and ice on the sections that are exposed to snowfall. The project is conducted in cooperation with the company Solar Roadways, which has designed a special solar panels (weigh about 70 pounds each), and can reportedly support the weight of semi-trucks.
They have an asphalt-like traction surface so cars won’t slip and skid, and they’re fitted with LED lights to create lines and signage without paint. Also, the panels can warm up to thaw icy roads.are durable enough to withstand weight of cars and weatherproof.
One of the advantages of solar roads is that they are composed of modular units, if necessary (due to damage or failure) can be easily replaced. However, the biggest obstacle to the mass use of solar panels on the roads for now is their high cost, as well as the cost of maintaining.