What Are Solar Roadways?
Solar roads capture sunlight for energy but face high costs and maintenance issues
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What if the roads we drive on every day could also produce clean energy? That’s the concept behind solar roadways.
Solar roads are surfaces that double as both transportation infrastructure and power generators. The first large-scale test appeared in Normandy, France, in 2016, and several countries have experimented with similar projects since then.
In the U.S., only one solar road exists today in Peachtree Corners, Georgia, largely because the technology still faces significant performance and cost challenges that researchers are working to solve.
Solar-powered roads were first conceptualized in the early 2000s, but Solar Roadways conducted the first pilot in 2016 in Normandy, France.
Jump to insightSolar roadways work similarly to rooftop solar panels, harnessing sunlight to generate electricity for widespread use.
Jump to insightSolar roadways consist of three layers: a transparent glass top layer, a photovoltaic cell layer and a durable base layer.
Jump to insightWhile solar roadways have the potential to revolutionize transportation infrastructure, they come with high costs and maintenance needs.
Jump to insightHistory and evolution of solar roadways
Solar roadways are roads that can produce electricity from sunlight while allowing vehicles to travel on them. Efforts to develop this technology have been ongoing for roughly 20 years, with engineers testing different materials, improving solar panel efficiency and exploring ways to make maintenance easier.
Early experiments
The idea of solar-powered roads first gained attention in the early 2000s. Engineers explored ways to embed solar panels into existing infrastructure to reduce dependence on fossil fuels. Early designs showed promise but faced significant challenges: They were expensive and often fragile, and they didn’t generate as much electricity as expected.
Founding of Solar Roadways
A key milestone came in 2006 with the founding of Solar Roadways, a company focused on creating modular, solar-powered panels for roads. Their vision included:
- Generating electricity from sunlight
- Incorporating LED lights for safer lane markings
- Adding heated surfaces to prevent ice buildup
Crowdfunding and pilot projects
In 2014, Solar Roadways ran a crowdfunding campaign that raised over $2 million. This funding allowed them to build pilot sections and test the panels in real-world conditions.
- 2016: France completed one of the first fully operational solar roads in Normandy.
- 2017: The U.S. built its first solar roadway in Peachtree Corners, Georgia.
These pilots showed both the potential and the challenges of solar roads. The panels are expensive and need frequent cleaning; they also produce less electricity than traditional solar panels.
Recent developments
Today, work continues to make solar roads more practical. Researchers are testing stronger materials and better solar panels. They’re also researching ways to combine energy production with smart-road features, like sensors and traffic communication systems, to make solar roads more reliable and useful.
How do solar roadways work?
Solar roadways work through a multistep process that’s similar to that of residential solar panels.
First, sunlight hits the road surface and passes through the transparent top layer to reach the embedded solar cells. These cells absorb the light, generating direct current (DC) electricity as electrons are excited within the silicon material.
Next, the DC electricity flows to inverters, which convert it into alternating current (AC) that can power homes, businesses or streetlights, or feed into the electric grid.
While the energy generation process is straightforward, the design must account for real-world challenges such as shading from vehicles and sunlight-blocking debris.
» LEARN MORE: How do solar panels work?
What are solar roads made of?
Solar roads consist of three layers. The first layer is composed of transparent, durable glass that’s textured to ensure vehicle tires can get a good grip on the road.
The middle layer houses the photovoltaic cells, usually made of silicon, which capture sunlight and convert it into electricity, much like rooftop panels. This layer may also include wiring and protective coatings to shield the cells from moisture and debris.
The last layer is a base plate that serves a dual purpose. It distributes the energy made by the panel and serves as the foundation and structural support. This layer is often made of concrete or reinforced composites, but researchers are experimenting with different materials to increase efficiency and lifespan.
A solar roadway may include other materials, such as LED lights to keep drivers on track and heated panels to prevent ice from forming during chilly weather, providing better traction.
Smart features and technological innovations
Solar roadways are evolving beyond energy generation. Researchers are exploring ways to make these roads “smart,” turning them into platforms that improve safety and convenience for drivers and cities. Future and experimental designs may include:
- Embedded sensors: Track traffic flow, vehicle weight, road temperature and ice formation to improve safety and maintenance.
- Wireless charging for electric vehicles: Charge compatible EVs while driving, reducing reliance on stationary chargers.
- Vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) communication: Send real-time updates to vehicles about traffic, hazards or speed limits.
- LED lighting: Provide lane markings, crosswalks or warnings that adjust to conditions.
- Heated panels: Reduce ice and snow buildup for safer winter driving.
- Smart city integration: Connect with traffic signals, emergency systems and public transportation networks.
Pros and cons of solar roadways
Solar roads have significant potential benefits, but further technological advancements are needed before widespread adoption.
Benefits of solar roadways
“The fundamental idea of solar roads is very smart and might seem like a potential technology in the future,” said Matas Buzelis, the president of the Association of Automotive Intelligence and an automotive expert at carVertical.
“Lowering greenhouse emissions and reducing the dependence on fossil fuels are very important for the inevitable global warming. Solar roads serve two core purposes, as they allow the movement of vehicles and, at the same time, capture plenty of energy from the sun.”
Aside from providing clean energy, solar roads could make travel safer by making road markings more visible with LED lighting and preventing slick road conditions with self-heating. Smart roads could even incorporate communication technologies that make autonomous vehicles safer.
Drawbacks of solar roadways
“However, all these perks come with a very steep price tag,” Buzelis said. The road in Normandy, for example, cost more than $5 million and only stretched a little over half a mile.
Another problem is the need for maintenance, Buzelis added. Solar roads would need to be maintained with much more attention than conventional asphalt requires. Dirt, leaves and motor oil can block the sun from reaching the solar panels, so these roads would need to be cleaned much more frequently.
It sounds like it has a lot of potential, but the challenges to make such technology work in real life may be too demanding in terms of cost.”
Unlike conventional solar panels, solar roads can’t be tilted to best capture sunlight. This makes them less efficient.
“It sounds like it has a lot of potential, but the challenges to make such technology work in real life may be too demanding in terms of cost,” Buzelis said.
Pros
- Generate clean, renewable energy without taking up additional land
- Improve safety with integrated LEDs for clearer markings and self-heating surfaces that reduce ice
- Offer potential for “smart road” features that support communication with autonomous vehicles
Cons
- Extremely high installation costs compared with traditional road materials
- Require frequent cleaning and maintenance because dirt and debris block sunlight
- Produce less energy than standard solar panels because they can’t be angled toward the sun
» DISCOVER: Best solar energy companies
FAQ
What are some additional features of solar roads?
Beyond energy generation, solar roads can include features such as LED lights for enhanced visibility and heated panels to prevent ice formation. These features help contribute to safer driving conditions.
Other potential features include sensors that monitor traffic flow, road conditions or even the movement of autonomous vehicles. Certain prototypes also explore communication technology that can interact with vehicles, providing safety alerts or real-time updates.
What challenges do solar roads face?
Despite their potential, solar roads face several challenges. These include high costs, frequent maintenance requirements and lower efficiency compared with traditional solar panels due to their flat orientation.
Are solar roads cost-effective?
Currently, the high cost of installation and maintenance makes solar roads less cost-effective than traditional roads and solar panels. However, ongoing research and development may improve their cost-effectiveness in the future.
How do solar roads handle dirt and debris?
Solar roads require frequent cleaning; dirt, leaves and other debris can block sunlight and reduce their efficiency. This adds to their maintenance requirements.
Article sources
ConsumerAffairs writers primarily rely on government data, industry experts and original research from other reputable publications to inform their work. Specific sources for this article include:
- Architect, “World’s First Solar Roadway Opens in France.” Accessed Dec. 1, 2025.
- University of Minnesota Institute on the Environment, “Solar Roadways.” Dec. 1, 2025.
- Iowa State University Institute for Transportation, “Groundbreaking: Solar panel roadways.” Accessed Dec. 1, 2025.
- PR Newswire, “Peachtree Corners Smart City and The Ray Install USA's First Road Surface Solar Panels on Autonomous Vehicle Lane.” Accessed Dec. 1, 2025.
