Eine Verifox-Umfrage räumt mit dem Mythos teurer E-Mobilität auf: Ist für Sie Laden schon günstiger als Tanken?
Branchen-Newsletter
Wir informieren Sie kostenlos zweimal wöchentlich über die aktuellen Entwicklungen in Sachen New Mobility.
Meist gelesen
Aktueller Top Event
Branchenguide
Leonhard Weiss: Solar panels deliver electricity from the road
In order to meet the increasing demand for green electricity in Germany, the use of solar energy must be massively advanced. However, finding suitable areas and building facilities is equally challenging for public authorities, businesses, and the manufacturing industry. Leonard Weiss now offers an innovative solution: With drivable solar roads, turnkey constructed as a complete package, quickly realized decentralized energy concepts on existing infrastructure are possible for the first time.
So far, a PV system requires a suitable location and its implementation demands a considerable amount of know-how. The construction company installs turnkey Wattway by Colas on paved surfaces as complete packages from a single source, thereby expanding its core competencies in the area of grid connection.
Utilizing existing areas for new solar installations
The so-called solar roads are typically glued onto the existing road surface and operated either as a standalone system with battery storage or connected to the power grid. Multi-year tests and pilot projects show: The modules withstand being driven over by cars well. However, they are best suited for installation on traffic-calmed areas or parking lots.
Pilot projects worldwide
In around 50 pilot projects worldwide, this solar technology has been tested over several years and has been in distribution since 2019 – with approximately 100 installed systems. As the first German system, Leonard Weiss has realized a model road on its own company parking lot at the Göppingen site and put it into operation in May 2023. The 36 modules with an area of 13 by 3 meters deliver a power output of about 4.5 kilowatt-peak, which corresponds to an expected electricity generation of around 3,017 kilowatt-hours per year.
Self-sufficient, decentralized power supply for internal use
With the solar roads and comprehensive support from Leonard Weiss, municipal facilities, businesses, or industrial companies are now able to extend their power supply beyond the general power grid. The quickly available decentralized solutions are particularly recommended for self-use – especially when network connections are lacking. This way, local and climate-conscious infrastructures for direct electricity consumption at standalone systems can be created. At the same time, existing usable areas can be utilized for energy generation with the solar roads, from bicycle paths to driveways and parking lots to the roofs of carports or other structures. This also means: no additional land sealing, no planning procedures on greenfield sites.
Diverse Applications for E-Mobility, Safety, and Comfort
The applications and areas of use for solar roads are as diverse as the requirements of the builders. The use of the new solar technology is particularly sensible in the areas of e-mobility, safety, and comfort. Especially in conjunction with parking spaces for small vehicles like e-bikes, e-scooters, or e-scooters, for example at central public transport stops, a corresponding charging infrastructure is worthwhile. This way, cities and municipalities can set targeted incentives for new mobility.
Another option is the power supply for safety-relevant systems like lighting or video surveillance. Especially in inaccessible places like underpasses or buildings that are difficult to oversee, an autonomous power supply on-site is already cost-effective. Automatic barriers at company entrances or monitored parking areas can also be easily operated with a Wattway system. Even seating areas in public spaces, such as parks or pedestrian zones, can be realized to charge digital devices in between.
"Customers who want to build a Wattway system with us get everything from a single source, from the first planning to full commissioning, with only one point of contact," emphasizes Helmut Welz, Head of Network Technology at Leonard Weiss. "They benefit not only from our enormous experience in network construction but also from our holistic project management. This is so far unique in the German market."
Easy Installation and Long Predicted Durability
To install the modules on a road or similar surface, the construction team cuts slots for the cables in the asphalt. A leveling layer about 3 to 4 millimeters thick from a two-component mixture is then applied to the surface. The solar panels are glued on top and the joints are filled with a sealant at the end. In general, the lifespan of solar roads can be up to 20 years, depending on environmental conditions and loads. Additionally, individual panels can also be replaced.
Off-Grid or Grid-Connected
So far, customers have two options: the Wattway Pack consisting of three, six, nine, or twelve PV modules and a battery system for power storage. It acts as a stand-alone solution without a grid connection, also known as Off Grid. Alternatively, the construction company offers Wattway Plus – a custom-designed system that can cover areas of several hundred to thousand square meters. This corresponds to a nominal output of 1,000 kilowatt-peak or even more.
What does this mean?
High on the agenda for many companies and municipalities is the reduction of CO2 emissions. A secure way to protect the environment is to switch to power generation with solar modules. After all, the technology is mature and has proven itself in practice for decades. However, a PV system needs a suitable place - and this is where solar panels on roads and (parking) spaces can come into play.
Translated automatically from German.
Branchenguide
Elektromobilität , Newsletter Elektromobilität , IAA Mobility , SUVs und Geländewagen , Hybrid , Antriebsarten, Kraftstoffe und Emissionen , Oberklasse- und Sportwagen , Carsharing , Autonomes Fahren (Straßenverkehr) , Ladeinfrastruktur , Verkehrspolitik , Formel E , Brennstoffzellen , Fahrzeug-Vernetzung und -Kommunikation , Fahrzeuge & Fuhrpark , Automotive-Messen & Veranstaltungen , Pkw, Kompakt- und Mittelklasse , Minis und Kleinwagen , E-Auto-Datenbank, E-Mobilität-/Automotive-Newsletter, E-Auto-Tests
