One of the projects is located alongside a railway near Vilnius/Lithuania, where a 70-meter long and 4.5-meter high wall has been recently constructed by the Lithuanian railway management company, LTG Infra. This barrier is outfitted with 60 of Solitek’s frameless, dual glass transparent Solid Bifacial modules. These modules, known for their resistance to extreme environmental conditions like hail and wind, are expected to generate 13.2 MWh of electricity annually.
Also see: Tenders for solar plants on noise barriers and rest areas now open
The other project, under the administration of Via Lietuva, involves similar technology along the E5 highway connecting Kaunas and Vilnius. Set to be completed in August, it will feature 56 Solitek Solid Bifacial modules, anticipated to produce 15 MWh of electricity per year due to its advantageous location and southern orientation.
Also retrofit tests to replace existing sound walls
Both projects will provide comprehensive data, which will include measurements of solar radiation, sound, and vibrations, to evaluate the changes and effectiveness of these installations. An additional aspect of these initiatives is the retrofit test, which involves replacing existing sound walls with integrated solar modules.
These initiatives align closely with the European Solar Charter, advocated by the European Commission to promote the photovoltaic manufacturing sector across Europe. The charter encourages the integration of solar energy into buildings, infrastructure, and vehicles, aiming to reduce regulatory barriers and foster the production of high-quality, sustainable PV products.
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Dual-purpose approach
By incorporating solar technology into traditional noise barriers, Solitek and Stalcorp are both reducing noise pollution and also enhancing green energy production. This dual-purpose approach transforms standard infrastructures into multifunctional assets, offering substantial environmental benefits and setting new benchmarks in renewable infrastructure projects. (hcn)