Im sure some of the techy geeks on the forum will like this



http://www.wimp.com/solarhighways/

 

would be awesome.. even if it didn't get implemented countrywide it would be majorly beneficial..



hell, one interstate in the country with one of these setups would power a HUGE area, all renewable...



from my (total n00bs) standpoint, i see the issue being strength and resistance to scratches that would eventually cause cracks, which would cause failure/tire punctures, etc.



you also have potholes in asphalt/concrete that yearly take tolls on cars, claim tires/rims, etc.

 

You guys know what hitting a nasty pothole at 60 mph can do to a car. Now just imagine hitting a shard of glass sticking up from a cracked part of the highway, at 60 mph.

 

^^^ think a version of tempered glass with a thick outer coating which would result in just dipping down an inch or so through that 'panel' if it was cracked..



also, if the entire thing was filled/sealed, the stress's of road vehicles wouldn't break it since it wouldn't have anything 'open' behind it to flex against.



another idea they would probably be considering is some type of plexiglass which in thick sheets, it would probably never crack/shatter

 

ice/water performance worries me with somthing so smooth...

 

Who knows... it might be easier to patch glass. Just drop some self leveling resin in the hole ... the roadway can. make money instead of drain it so it would be easier to repair.