[quote]new technology is always prohibitively expensive.[/quote] This isn't even new. It's a basic solar panel with some LED strips under a plate of molded glass. They tout a sole resistance test and how "Scott rode a bike on the prototype with no problems" as scientific evidence that it's equivalent to asphalt. [quote]>implying "glass" is just like window glass or drinking glasses. there's some really durable glass with lots of friction.[/quote] No, I'm not. Glass is a relatively soft material, and whatever friction you may have will rapidly be worn away until the surface is smooth. [quote]i'd really like to see solar roadways explored in places like the american southwest where the sun is almost always shining. it's a great concept that obviously needs more work to become realized.[/quote] I'm an Arizonan; we're already implementing tons of solar paneling projects. Like I said in my OP: the trouble with solar isn't finding space to put the panels, it's getting it to be cost effective.

[quote]the trouble with solar isn't finding space to put the panels, it's getting it to be cost effective.[/quote]until we run dry on fossil fuels, alternative energies will never be cost effective.

Well that's just not true. Natural gas, hydroelectric, wind, solar, and nuclear are all cost effective. I'm just talking about this specific product, not solar power in general.

Natural gas is a fossil fuel...