A parking lot paved with solar panels can be a source of electricity

An Idaho couple has come up with an innovative way to pave streets with solar panels and are now looking for funding for their project.

Scott and Julie Brusso want to replace traditional asphalt and concrete with resistant solar panels, which could additionally serve as a source of energy.

The two presented their idea back in 2010 and attracted the interest of numerous futurists and government officials. Meanwhile, Scott and Julie developed a prototype to cover the parking lot in front of the lab where they work in Idaho.

The boards they've unveiled now look different from the prototype they unveiled almost four years ago. Their panels are now hexagonal, allowing better coverage on hills and curves, but also easier removal of snow and ice, in winter conditions. In addition, their panels also have LED lights, which allows messages to be displayed on paved roads or parking lots.

Scott and Julie say their panels have been tested for traction and impact resistance, and can withstand heavy loads - the panels withstood a tractor crossing a paved parking lot. This is the first time the panels have been subjected to a test that corresponds to real road conditions.

The project has been financed with 50.000 dollars so far. Scott and Julie have now launched Indiegogo campaign in which they will try to collect one million USD, in order to commercialize their product.

Small solar parking lots can power traffic signs and street lights. If they were distributed throughout the city, these solar roads could be decentralized electrical networks, which could power homes and business users.

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