China successfully tested its first photovoltaic highway based on home-grown technology in the country’s eastern Shandong province.
The solar road is made up of an insulating layer on the bottom, photovoltaic panels in the middle, and transparent concrete on top.
The tested segment of highway can generate 817.2 KW of power and is expected to generate 1 million KW hours of electricity each year.
Electricity produced by the test section will be used to power highway lights, sign boards, surveillance cameras, tunnel and toll gate facilities. Surplus power will be supplied to the state grid.
China has become the second country to construct a photovoltaic highway. France was introduced the world’s first photovoltaic road fitted with solar panels in late 2016.