Railway sound barriers are finding new life as solar energy generators, thanks to advancements in bifacial and thin-film solar technologies. These innovations offer an efficient way to produce renewable energy while conserving space and reducing noise pollution.
Bifacial Solar Panels: Efficiency and Innovation
Bifacial solar panels are revolutionizing solar energy harvesting. Unlike conventional panels, they efficiently capture sunlight in a vertical position, optimizing space usage. Lithuanian startup SoliTek is at the forefront of this technology. Partnering with construction firm Stalcorp, SoliTek is installing bifacial solar panels integrated with sound barriers along railway lines.
One project, developed in collaboration with LTG Infra, features 370W solar modules installed on noise-reducing barriers in Vilnius, Lithuania. This system includes 60 solar modules spread across 70 meters (230 feet), producing an estimated 13.2 megawatt-hours of electricity annually.
SoliTek is also working on a larger project along the Kaunas-Vilnius roadway. This initiative will generate approximately 15 megawatt-hours per year, further reducing noise pollution while maximizing energy output.
Thin-Film Solar Technology: Versatile and Cost-Effective
Thin-film solar cells provide another avenue for energy generation on railway sound barriers. Although less efficient than traditional silicon cells, they are versatile, lightweight, and inexpensive, making them ideal for vertical surfaces.
Japanese firm Sekisui Chemical is leading the charge with its durable perovskite solar cells, suitable for high-exposure environments. In 2023, Sekisui demonstrated these cells’ ability to withstand wind and vibrations, making them promising for railway applications.
Sekisui is now testing perovskite panels on south-facing noise barriers along Japan’s Tokaido Shinkansen railway. This line, spanning 650 kilometers, presents vast opportunities for solar installations. If trials succeed, the barriers will power station lights and other railway facilities, maximizing utility.
Significant Impact
These projects demonstrate the dual benefits of solar-powered sound barriers: renewable energy generation and noise pollution reduction. SoliTek’s Vilnius project alone offsets approximately 6,000 kilograms of CO₂ annually, a crucial step toward sustainable urban development.
As railways worldwide adopt such innovations, sound barriers will evolve from passive noise reducers into active contributors to the renewable energy landscape. The synergy of advanced solar technologies with existing infrastructure paves the way for a greener future.
References- SoliTek official reports, Asahi Shimbun website&PR, LTG Infra partnership details, Clean Technica article