World’s first ‘solar panel road’ opens in France at Tourouvre-au-Perche in Normandy. The 1 KM road could generate enough electricity to power the street lights. The panels have been covered in a silicon-based resin that allows them to withstand the weight of passing big rigs. As per Colas France could become energy independent by paving only a quarter of its million KMs of roads. Solar panels have become increasingly popular in recent years as cost of operating them has come down significantly, making it cost competitive with traditional energy sources.