Power and energy potential of mass-scale photovoltaic noise barrier deployment: A case study for the U.S

Abstract

Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems have the greatest potential to meet the scale of sustainable energy demands, yet large surface areas beyond rooftop areas are required. One source of additional surface area that avoids conflict with food production while scaling with population density is noise barriers, which provide dual use of land area both as noise abatement and energy generation. This paper provides a method to quantify the potential of mass scale deployment of photovoltaic noise barrier (PVNB) systems in a country. Based on a feasibility analysis of the irradiation levels and noise barrier locations, the PV power potential and the energy output for the photovoltaic modules is calculated for specific locations using a tool chain of free software. This method, is then demonstrated with a case study for the state of California and the results are then extrapolated for the entire U.S. The U.S. is an ideal candidate country because noise abatement mandates fall well short of World Health Organizations guidelines and PVNB technology has not been implemented on a wide scale. Using conservative assumptions, the results show that the total PVNB power potential for the U.S. ranges from 7 to 9 GW using only existing noise barriers. According to findings of the paper the installed capacity of the large scale photovoltaic system deployed on noise barriers in a single state is comparable to the installed capacities of the largest solar farms in the U.S. and yet due to the unique mounting of PVNB, such systems provide better land utilization ratios for energy production than conventional solar PV farms.

Institutional harmonization for spatial integration of renewable energy: Developing an analytical approach

“…The focus on institutions stems from the observation that spatial integration between RE and transport infrastructure has been addressed primarily from a technological perspective (e.g. Debije et al, 2018;Vallati et al, 2015;Wadhawan and Pearce, 2017). These observations are in line with Andrews-Speed (2016), who states that in energy transition literature in general, there appear to be few explicit institutional analyses that draw on insights from institutional theory.…”

Energy harvesting from pavements and roadways: A comprehensive review of technologies, materials, and challenges

“…With regard to the research progress on PVNBs, Bellucci et al presented a GIS‐based analysis of the potential of PV integration to the noise barriers along Italian national roads. Similar case studies were also reported from other countries such as Belgium, the Netherlands, and the United States . Shkrebtii et al prepared and characterized hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a‐Si:H) films for solar cells used in PVNBs on highways.…”

“…Similar case studies were also reported from other countries such as Belgium, 33 the Netherlands, 34,35 and the United States. 36,37 Shkrebtii et al 38 prepared and characterized hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) films for solar cells used in PVNBs on highways. Vallati et al 39 worked on optimizing the acoustic and energy performances on PVNBs.…”

Vehicle‐Integrated Photovoltaics Irradiation Modeling Using Aerial‐Based LIDAR Data and Validation with Trip Measurements

“…Recently, an increasing number of integrated photovoltaic (PV) applications appeared. [1][2][3] The local environment in such applications plays a significant role in PV modules' performance, as modules are no longer unobstructed from the sky dome. The vehicle-integrated PV (VIPV) is one such application.…”