Ep 14. Solar Roads

Innovation Nation season 1 episode 14, titled "Solar Roads", explores the innovative technology of using solar panels in roads to generate electricity. Host Mo Rocca takes viewers on a journey to understand the concept of the solar roadways and how they work.

The episode starts with a visit to the headquarters of Solar Roadways in Idaho, which is a family-owned business that has taken up the challenge of developing the world's first solar road. The company's co-founder Scott Brusaw explains the idea of replacing traditional asphalt roads with solar panels that can generate clean and renewable energy. The solar panels are designed with tempered glass that is strong enough to support the weight of heavy vehicles and provide traction for vehicles to drive on.

The episode explores the different possibilities of using solar roadways, including the potential to power streetlights, homes, and businesses. Rocca visits a small town in Georgia where a local company has installed solar panels on a parking lot, generating enough electricity to power 22 homes. Rocca also meets with a scientist who is researching the potential for using solar roadways as a way to power electric vehicles while they are driving.

The episode goes on to highlight some of the obstacles that solar roadways face. The cost of producing solar panels that can withstand the weight of vehicles is currently expensive, which limits their potential for widespread use. Additionally, there are concerns about the durability and maintenance of the solar panels in areas with heavy snow and ice. Rocca visits a testing facility in Michigan where solar panels are being put through various stress tests to ensure their durability and viability.

The episode also features some of the controversy surrounding solar roadways, with critics arguing that the technology is not yet advanced enough to be a feasible alternative to traditional asphalt roads. Rocca speaks with both supporters and skeptics of the technology to understand the different perspectives.

Overall, the "Solar Roads" episode of Innovation Nation season 1 showcases the ingenuity and potential of solar roadways, while also acknowledging the challenges and concerns that must be addressed for the technology to become a reality. Through interviews with experts and demonstrations of the technology in action, viewers gain a better understanding of the potential impact of solar roadways on the future of transportation and energy production.