Snow-covered roads are always a problem in places with heavy snowfall and researchers have come up with two different solar-powered road systems to tackle the issue. The first idea is to have pipes filled with freeze-resistant fluids that can be embedded in the pavement, which will then be heated by the sun and stored in an insulated chamber. Thus when ice and snow hit the roads, the heated liquid can be released to melt the snow. The heating fluid could also be used to generate electricity for nearby buildings. The project would cost around $12,500 for every 50 meters of piping, but would be able to pay for itself in just six months.
Another system would be to replace the traditional asphalt with solar panels that can be driven upon. These panels would obviously be able to gather solar energy and later power LED lights on the road lines, not to mention provide electricity for EV charging stations and also provide the necessary heat to melt the snow and ice buildup.
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