The first Solar Road in Europe is working even better than expected

The Netherlands made headlines with the first installation of a solar road. There were those who doubted its’ success, but the results have exceeded expectations. The Solar Road is a great success.

The first Solar Road is working better than expected

The Solar Road made its debut near Amsterdam in November 2014 and in its first six months, generated over 3,000 kilowatt-hours of energy. Experts predict that up to 20 percent of the Netherlands’ roadways (140,000 kilometers) could accommodate the solar threading for a wider reach on a limitless solar draw.  

How the solar works

• The SolaRoad is a unique, 70 meter long platform that consists of several synthetic layers topped by 3-millimeter, glass-covered solar panels engineered to convert sunrays into energy. Even on cloudy days, each transparent panel links into a network that optimizes absorbed solar radiation and redirects it into the local grid.
• The skid-resistant panels made of concrete, rubberized silicon and glass resulting in a panel strong enough to sustain the pressure dealt by a 12-tonne load.
• The panel pathway is mounted at a slight tilt to allow for rain run off, washing and sweeping.
• The panels are expected to have a lifespan of 20 years, but if a panel has a problem, each has an independent switch off.
• The annual yield of the project is expected to reach more than 70 kilowatt-hours per square meter.

This energy saving idea is set to expand into the United States and beyond, so keep an eye out for a solar road near you.