TNO conducts trial with solar cells on crash barrier

TNO has started a trial in which a 72-metre section of crash barrier is fitted with a flexible solar cell. The organization wants to know whether the technology can be used to generate electricity for road lighting and matrix signs.

The solar cells are placed on a section of crash barrier at the N194 near Heerhugowaard, the TNO writes. The solar cells are built in a flexible foil and are tested in a width of 37 and 50 centimeters.

The aim of the research is to test how the setup withstands different weather conditions and whether the solar cells provide a reliable energy supply. The generated energy must power road lighting and matrix signs or supply energy to the electricity grid.

Currently, only the solar cells themselves have been installed. TNO will start this month with the installation of electrical equipment and the laying of the cables. The investigation will run for a year and the outcome will be announced at the end of 2019. In the future, the organization also wants to test the technology on a larger scale, along various types of roads.