An initiative to cover main roads and highways with solar power module platforms was proposed by scientists at the Gujarat Energy Research and Management Institute (GERMI) in India.
The technology will not only generate large amounts of electricity, but will also help governmental officials save money on buying expensive land for solar farms.
The team of scientists conducted a series of computer simulations, estimating that if a highway of 7,300km, such as the North-South-East-West Corridor highway, is covered with these solar panels, the generated electricity could equal as much as 5,524 megawatts of solar capacity.
To help India hitting the 22,000 MW of solar power target, the scientists suggest extending the project to the entire road and railway network.
A major advantage of such a project is the fact that transmission lines in the country are located near road networks. Considering that the lack of such lines has always been a major limitation for project developers, the new idea could reduce costs drastically.
The generated electricity from panels covering railways could be used to power trains directly. In addition, as stated by the scientists, the PV modules will also help in harvesting rainwater.
