The World's First Solar Highway is Now Open in China

The world’s first solar highway is now open for testing and it’s completely awesome. The kilometer-long stretch of nascent technology consists of an insulating layer on the bottom, photovoltaic panels in the middle, and transparent concrete on top.

The solar panels will generate roughly 1 million kilowatt-hours of electricty in a year, that can power roughly 800 homes. Excess energy will be sent to the state grid.

This special highway does more than just generate electricity - it’s a clean energy lab that tests other technologies, including wireless charging for e-vehicles that can also provide internet connection.

At a cost of $458 per square meter, the solar road is more expensive than traditional asphalt, yet the project shows how renewables can be used in a variety of scenarios.

For the full story head over to Eco Watch.