During hours of heavy traffic, the panels will be completed shielded from the sun, rendering them ineffective during this time. But even during light traffic hours, the heavier glass will make it that much harder for the panels to absorb sunlight.
Another disadvantage would be the inability to tilt the solar panels to absorb the sun at their maximum effectiveness. Whether there’s traffic or not, solar panels built into the road will be more susceptible to shading, thus reducing their ability to produce power.
Furthermore, solar roads won’t have the same type of air circulation a roof solar panel would have. This is a disadvantage primarily because the solar panel may overheat, which in turn may lead to energy efficiency loss.
Tests provide disappointing results
Solar roads have already have been tested in a number of environments. In the United States, Solar Roadways has developed a “smart highway” in which they lined the road with LED lights for traffic signs, sensors, and solar panels. The project was expensive to say the very least – approximately $48,734 to be exact.
