A heat pad is located below the green etched board, a thermostat and humidity sensor will measure the atmospheric conditions and turn on if needed and turn off if not.

The Brusaw's will take the money they are acquiring through Indiegogo to analyze just how much energy it will take, and propose alterations to their existing design to compensate for the lowest of operating tempratures.

The Current road panel as you call it has a 17% efficiency for its solar. As for the amount of energy needed to melt the snow, when has a snow storm snowed on the whole state of Idaho or any other state for that matter?

Small individual placements of mats that allow current to run through them is the key here. Each module is an individual item replaceable in less time then it takes to change a tire. We are heating the modules to just above freezing, not 50F like some snow grid operators believe you should maintain pavement.

Each Polygon module is a self diagnosing unit. Each can be replaced with in a few minutes, in fact less time then it takes to change a tire. As for the snow and gravel concerns, there shouldn't be a need for studded tires or snow plows as the panels will keep the roadways clear of that. Scratched is always a possibility that exceeds common practices and equation of engineering. So yes it is possible to scratch them but with actual wear and tear the longevity of the modules should be minimal.