Authorities in Barcelona have begun an experiment to generate electrical energy by means of solar pavement. Tiles with a special coating that takes in natural light and turns it into electricity appeared in a small park in the Glòries district. The city allocated 30,000 euros for the installation of the environmentally friendly sidewalk, while the remaining costs were borne by the manufacturer, PLATIO Solar.
The energy efficiency and durability of the paths will be tested for six months, after which the authorities will decide whether to continue the initiative.
PLATIO solar paver is a walkable, green building material. In our solar pavers, high-performance solar cells collect the solar energy radiated onto the surface. The solar cells are protected by heavy-duty, anti-slip, scratch and impact-resistant glass panels. The frame of the product is made out of plastic waste that cannot be recycled by other methods, and no new plastic materials are used for its manufacturing. The use of materials and a special manufacturing process results in a highly durable frame structure that can ensure trouble-free operation and installation of solar panels for decades. PLATIO solar pavement is not only a good choice for homes, but also for green companies, smart cities and electromobility.
Spain has installed a photovoltaic sidewalk as part of its pollution reduction strategy 2050. The 56 sqm of non-slip solar pavement installed in the park and they will generate 7,560 kWh per year.
“The cost, then, with this pilot scheme, it’s still hard to say how much cheaper it would be to expand it. We are interested in installing more of these units on rooftops and, if this scheme proves successful, on the ground to power lights and other public facilities.”
“If we’re going to meet the zero-emissions goal, we’re going to have to think about supplying electricity to apartment buildings, but we’re also going to have to think about using wind and solar power plants outside of the city,” Badia. says.
The viability of the scheme will be evaluated in six months. “We will have to assess the degree of depreciation, because obviously it is not the same as installing panels on the roof, although they are very sustainable,” says Eloy Badia, in charge of climate emergencies and environmental transformation at the Barcelona City Council.
“As for the cost, with this pilot scheme, it is still difficult to say how much cheaper it would be to expand it. We are interested in installing more of these installations on rooftops and, if this scheme proves successful, on the ground, to power lights and other public facilities.”
In conclusion
PLATIO is a perfect product to help fulfill net zero/BIPV projects
