Solutions to the Problem of Noise Pollution in Europe.

According to a World Health Organization publication, about 40 percent of the population in EU countries are exposed to road traffic noise at levels above 55 dB(A), 20 percent are exposed to levels above 65 dB(A) during the daytime, and more than 30 percent are exposed at night to levels above 55 dB(A).

Noise barriers: an effective but uncommon solution

One of the most popular and effective ways to abate noise pollution is the installation of noise barriers along arterial roads. In light of the fact that the noise problem is real and perceived by a large segment of the population, the estimate of barriers to be installed is impressive, but the actual installations are the smallest fraction compared to the need due to the excessive costs to be incurred.

The inefficiency of traditional solutions

So we are in a paradoxical situation, where there are major inconveniences due to noise exposure that are tending to increase as the Transport White Paper extensively reports, but the old solutions that can be applied to respond to the problem are poorly utilized due to lack of efficiency.

Sound Solar Panel: innovation in noise reduction

In fact, traditional noise barriers are presented as artifacts designed to reduce the propagation of sound waves toward sensitive individuals and can be of the sound-insulating type (i.e., composed of a material that attenuates the sound wave passing through it), sound-absorbing type (composed of a low-density material capable of absorbing incident sound energy) or sound-reflecting type (for example, those composed of transparent PMMA sheets, which reflect sound waves). Various types of materials have also been used to date to make sound barriers: wood, steel, polymethylmethacrylate, glass, and concrete.

From experimentation to dissemination

Etway has developed an innovative product to solve the critical issues inherent in old solutions against noise pollution, the Sound Solar Panel. The photovoltaic noise barrier, produced and marketed by Etway, responds to the above problems in an intelligent way, combining excellent sound absorption characteristics (responds to the acoustic problem) with the possibility of producing energy through photovoltaic modules (responds to an economic/energy problem). The anti-noise panel was designed with an innovative geometry specifically designed to be able to optimally accommodate frameless and custom photovoltaic modules and their electrical cables; the inclination of the cells was optimized in order to maximize energy production, and the special triangular shape of the section serves to avoid shading on the photovoltaic modules. The product has been tested and certified for both acoustic and structural characteristics. The panel’s acoustic absorption and insulation evaluation indices were calculated, obtaining a rating of A4 for sound absorption (UNI EN 1793-1) and B3 for sound insulation (UNI EN 1793-2). The SSP also passed tests for resistance to wind loads and was CE marked.

Innovation for a quieter and more efficient future

The Sound Solar Panel was developed by Etway starting in 2009, and the following year a prototype was installed in Borgo Valsugana (TN), which is still in excellent condition both structurally and in terms of energy producibility. In recent years, several photovoltaic barriers have been built for both private customers and public administrations (municipalities, provinces/regions), installing them where there was noise pollution produced by vehicles circulating on the busiest roads and in the vicinity of noise sources from industries and private activities.

A look at the past, projecting into the future. Tradition and innovation. Etway ‘s photovoltaic noise barrier answers an old problem with a new solution. Visit the product site for more information and to download our brochure: Sound Solar Panel.