A world premiere: cycling on solar panels

In 2012, the Dutch town of Krommenie will be the first place in the world to have a cycle path constructed from built-in solar cells: the ‘SolaRoad’. ‘This new technology combines mobility with sustainability in a highly advanced way’, says Johan de Vroom of Imtech (Imtech Traffic & Infra).

The cycle path’s surface includes integrated solar cells, so cyclists can use the path while solar energy is being generated. ‘The energy can be used for street lighting, traffic lights or charging electric vehicles’, says De Vroom. The 100-metre cycle path consists of concrete elements measuring 1.5 by 2.5 metres, with a glass layer on top. The solar cells are located between the concrete and this hardened glass layer. An extra optical layer between the glass and the solar cells enhances the sunlight and a special treated toplayer prevents cyclists from either slipping on the glass or being blinded by the sun.

Source of energy
Imtech is closely involved in developing the high-tech cycle path, together with the TNO research institute, the province of North Holland and road constructor Ooms Avenhorn. De Vroom: ‘Airports and car parks may also be used as sources of energy in the future. The experiment in Krommenie should show whether the yield covers the costs of maintenance and whether SolaRoad remains strong enough over the long term.’