This is the first solar highway in Germany
The first solar autobahn in Germany is located near Lake Constance. The pilot project is intended to show the extent to which built-up areas can be better used. The backgrounds.
As part of the energy transition, there are currently a number of pilot projects in Germany that promise innovative solutions. Such a project is, for example, not far from Lake Constance. Germany’s first solar autobahn is being built on the A81 near Engen in the Konstanz district.
Those responsible for the project at the Federal Ministry of Transport are currently building a structure there that resembles a carport. This has an area of 12 by 14 meters and is completely covered by solar panels. A crane is supposed to lift the solar roof over the lanes so that cars can drive under the structure.
First solar highway in Germany
However, the system is initially a pilot project. The construction is 5.50 meters high and should not be an obstacle for trucks or other vehicles. In order to ensure safety, the system in the first version only covers a thoroughfare at the Hegau-Ost service area.
Federal Transport Minister Volker Wissing (FDP) sees great potential in the technology and says that solar roofs on federal trunk roads have great potential. The electricity can be used directly in the vicinity of a motorway – for example in tunnels or at rest areas. By 2040, the operation and maintenance of motorways should be completely climate-neutral.
Solar roof with sis up to 40,000 kilowatt hours per year
The small section is expected to be commissioned in July. The system promises a yield of up to 40,000 kilowatt hours per year. That would be enough to supply ten four-person households with energy.
If the test phase is successful, further sections are to be built near rest areas and tunnels. A big advantage of the solar highway: already built-up areas could be used even better, not only to generate electricity, but also to protect the environment. For this to work, however, the expansion would have to be quick and unbureaucratic.
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