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Solar Roadways Incorporated is a startup company based in Sandpoint, Idaho, that is developing solar powered road panels to form a smart highway. Their technology combines a transparent driving surface with underlying solar cells, electronics and sensors to act as a solar array with programmable capability. Solar Roadways Inc is working to develop and commercially produce road panels which are made from recycled materials and incorporate photovoltaic cells. ==History== In 2006, the company was founded by Scott and Julie Brusaw, with Scott as President and CEO. The company envisioned replacing asphalt surfaces with structurally-engineered solar panels capable of withstanding vehicular traffic."〔(【引用サイトリンク】url= http://www.sbir.gov/sbirsearch/detail/355949 )〕 The proposed system would require the development of strong, transparent, and self-cleaning glass that has the necessary traction and impact-resistance properties. In 2009, Solar Roadways received a $100,000 Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grant from the Department of Transportation (DOT) for Phase I to determine the feasibility of the proposed project.〔(【引用サイトリンク】url= http://www.sbir.gov/sbirsearch/detail/355952 )〕 In 2011, Solar Roadways received $750,000 SBIR grant from the DOT for Phase II to develop and build a solar parking lot.〔(【引用サイトリンク】url= http://www.sbir.gov/sbirsearch/detail/362311 )〕 The DOT distinguishes the technology proposed by Solar Roadways Inc. as "Solar Power Applications in the Roadway," as compared to a number of other solar technologies categorized by the DOT as "Solar Applications along the Roadway."〔(【引用サイトリンク】url= http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/real_estate/publications/alternative_uses_of_highway_right-of-way/rep03.cfm )〕 From SBIR grant money, Solar Roadways has built a parking lot covered with hexagonal glass-covered solar panels sitting on top of a concrete base, which are heated to prevent snow and ice accumulation, and also include LEDs to illuminate road lines and display messages. The hexagonal shape allows for better coverage on curves and hills. According to the Brusaws, the panels can sustain a load. In April 2014, Solar Roadways started a crowdfunding drive at Indiegogo to raise money so they can get the product into production. In May, it was extended by another 30 days. The campaign raised 2.2 million dollars, exceeding its target of 1 million dollars.〔(【引用サイトリンク】title= Solar Roadways )〕 The drive became Indiegogo’s most popular campaign ever in terms of the number of backers it has attracted. The success was attributed in part to a Tweet made by George Takei, who played Sulu on ''Star Trek'', due to his more than 8 million followers. One of the Brusaws’ videos went viral, with over 20 million views as of November 2015.〔 抄文引用元・出典: フリー百科事典『 ウィキペディア（Wikipedia）』 ■ウィキペディアで「Solar Roadways」の詳細全文を読む スポンサード リンク
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