A Dutch city installs a solar path

“Our patented technology has been developed in such a way that micro-cracks do not appear in the solar cell and do not affect performance,” said a Plation spokesperson. pv magazine when asked about mechanical stress. “This rule applies when used in accordance with the intended use, i.e. if the Platio sun spreader is not subjected to more than 2 tons of pressure. That’s why it’s safe to walk on.”

The solar trail consists of 2,544 solar panels. It produces 55,000 kWh of electricity per year for Groningen City Hall. Plation solar panels are made of four monocrystalline cells with a power of 21.5 W and an efficiency of 21.8%. The breakdown voltage is 2.69 V and the short circuit voltage is 10.5 A. Each cell measures 158.75 mm x 158.75 mm, while the solar panel module measures 353 mm x 353 mm x 41 mm and weighs 6.5 kg. The module is coated with 10 mm tempered opal glass and its body is made of recycled polymer composite. It comes with a 5-year warranty.

The Platio solar spreader is suitable for sidewalks, terraces, driveways and bike paths, for example. It can drive vehicles weighing up to eight tons.

“Platio solar pavements are doubly sustainable because they not only provide green energy, but are made from recycled plastic,” said Philip Broeksma, Energy Council of the Municipality of Groningen. “And it doubles the space: the solar path generates electricity, while people can walk on it simply and safely. It is an example of how city space is used sensibly and sustainably.”

The performance of the system is monitored through the application. When it was inaugurated on March 24, it reportedly produced enough electricity to power 47 Dutch houses for one day. The aim of the EU Making City project is to develop Positive Energy District (PED) areas that demonstrate the potential of innovative solutions to achieve climate-neutral goals.