Netherlands innovates with solar sidewalks to power town halls
Photovoltaics on the roof aren't the only way to produce energy. The Hungarian company Platio has installed an innovative photovoltaic sidewalk in the Netherlands, which will supply electricity to the local town hall.
30 October 2024 12:02
Once again, the Netherlands is a leader in sustainable energy and innovative technologies. A sidewalk in one of the cities looks like any other at first glance but serves an extraordinary function. Equipped with special solar panels, it collects solar energy to power the nearby town hall.
Photovoltaic sidewalk in the Netherlands
In Groningen, a system based on special solar pavers was installed in approximately 400 square metres. This is part of the "Making City" project, which aims to reduce CO2 emissions in participating cities.
Our patented technology prevents micro-cracks in photovoltaic cells, provided they are not subjected to a weight exceeding 2,000 kilograms, which ensures the safe use of the sidewalk, explained Helga Ruscsak from Platio in an interview with pv-magazine.
Not just an ordinary sidewalk
The sidewalk in Groningen consists of 2,544 solar pavers, which annually produce 55,000 kWh to power the town hall. The modules measure approximately 35 x 35 x 4 centimetres and weigh about 6 kilograms each. They are covered with 1-centimetre tempered glass, and the frames are made from recycled polymer composite. The company provides a five-year warranty on the pavers.
According to pv-magazine, Patio pavers are suitable for various applications, such as sidewalks, terraces, driveways, and bike paths. On roads, they can withstand vehicles weighing up to 8,000 kilograms, provided the load is evenly distributed over four modules, each with a strength of about 2,000 kilograms.
