# Solar Panel Freeways 'Solar Serpents in Paradise' Turns L.A.'s Freeways into Eco-Powerplants By Michael Hines | Published 2010-11-11 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/solar-serpents-in-paradise References: [gizmag](http://www.gizmag.com/solar-serpent-electricity-generating-freeways/16877/) & [manstham](http://www.manstham.com/) Mans Tham's Solar Serpents in Paradise is such a brilliant idea it makes you wonder why no one had ever thought of it before. Tham has proposed covering L.A.'s Santa Monica freeway in [solar panels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rajasthan-updates) that could be used to shade cars and provide power. Tham predicts that Solar Serpents in Paradise could generate up to 150 GWh per year. I personally love this idea and wouldn't mind seeing it expanded to every California freeway. Check out Tham's vision above and click below to see more [solar-powered concepts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/solar-tower-1) and creations. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.7/10 - Popularity: 55% | Activity: 47% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) > [Eco Architecture](https://www.trendhunter.com/ecoarchitecture) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Solar-powered Freeways:** Disruptive innovation opportunity to transform freeways into eco-friendly powerplants and provide shade for cars. - **Renewable Energy Infrastructure:** Opportunity to develop innovative infrastructure projects that harness solar power and contribute to a cleaner energy grid. - **Sustainable Transportation:** Opportunity to integrate solar panels into transportation systems to reduce reliance on traditional energy sources and promote eco-friendly practices. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Energy:** Disruptive innovation opportunity for energy companies to invest in solar panel installations along freeways, creating decentralized power generation. - **Transportation:** Opportunity for the transportation industry to incorporate solar panels into infrastructure to promote sustainable travel and reduce environmental impact. - **Architecture:** Opportunity for architects and urban planners to integrate solar panel designs into freeway structures, introducing renewable energy solutions into the built environment. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Solar-Powered Sleek Bikes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-solaris.md) - [Solar Panel Artworks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/solar-tapestry.md) - [Tree-Inspired Solar Panel Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/solarbotanic-energy-tree.md) - [Grid-Connected Pavilions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/solar-electric-pavilion.md) - [Solar Energy Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/michael-jantzen-2.md) - [Solar-Powered Blankets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/solarpowered-blanket.md) - [Roof-Mounted EV Charging Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gosun-sun.md) - [Solar-Powered Cargo Vans](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/solar-electric-van.md) - [Solar-Powered Autonomous Vehicles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/polestar-cladrus.md)