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On the Path to the Future
Sound Solar Panel
The Context
NOISE – According to a European Union publication, approximately 40% of the population in EU countries is exposed to road traffic noise at levels exceeding 55 dB(A), and 20% is exposed to levels exceeding 65 dB(A) during the day. One of the most common and effective measures for reducing noise pollution is the installation of noise barriers along major thoroughfares.
ENERGY – Renewable energy sources are becoming increasingly important in the global energy mix, and in Italy, they are projected to account for 98% of national electricity generation by 2050. These figures come from the “New Energy Outlook 2018 , ” published by Bloomberg New Energy Finance (BNEF). Among renewable energy sources, solar power is set to become the most cost-effective source of electricity generation. International geopolitical developments in recent years have also made it clear that industrialized nations must accelerate the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources.
THE SOLUTION – The sound-absorbing photovoltaic panel, “Sound Solar Panel,” is the solution to the noise problem and, at the same time, enables the generation of electricity from renewable energy sources. This not only eliminates the noise problem but also results in significant savings.
The Product
The innovation of the Sound Solar Panel lies in the “Sound Solar Panel” itself— and in particular in its geometry, which is optimized for both acoustic and energy performance thanks to the 33° tilt of the exposed surface. The SSP panel is manufactured from galvanized steel and coated with polyester powder paint in RAL colors of the client’s choice; it consists of several cold-formed profiles made of S235J0 steel, It has a height of 623 mm and a center-to-center distance that varies between 3310 mm and 4000 mm.
The Sound Solar Panel serves a dual purpose: It solves the noise problem in areas with high noise pollution and enables electricity generation from renewable energy sources, while ensuring that the investment pays for itself. The acronym “Sound Solar Panel” highlights the product’s dual function: generating energy from solar power, as well as sound absorption and sound insulation.
The SSP panel consists of
TECHNICAL DETAILS
- Triangular housing made of galvanized sheet steel with a nominal thickness of 0.7 to 0.8 mm, which was coated with oven-cured polyester powder after all processing steps; Part of the cladding features holes in six different diameters, with nominal diameters ranging from 2.5 to 7.0 mm and a nominal hole coverage of 34%;
- Interior insulation consisting of a mineral wool mat with a nominal thickness of 50 mm and a nominal density of 70 kg/m³, which is attached to the vertical side made of solid sheet metal, as well as a mineral wool mat with a nominal thickness of 80 mm and a nominal density of 70 kg/m³, which is attached to the sloped side made of perforated sheet metal;
- End caps made of galvanized sheet steel, which are coated with oven-cured polyester powder coatings after all processing steps, complete with black EPDM balloon seals, which provide both vibration damping and sound insulation and are attached along the transverse edges of the module element on both sides;
- Guide rails for mounting photovoltaic modules;
- Custom-made photovoltaic modules with a power output of 110 to 150 Wp each, made of monocrystalline silicon.
The SSP panel is CE-certified and also holds the following certifications.
- Certification regarding wind loads;
- Sound Absorption Certification;
- Certification of sound insulation;
- Certification regarding the impact resistance of crushed stone;
The SSP panels are inserted into the supports and then assembled on top of one another to form a noise barrier that protects against noise while simultaneously generating electricity. In this regard, the height of the barrier is not predetermined but is determined according to the specifications of a qualified acoustic engineer.
Sound Solar Panels are vertical photovoltaic systems whose height can range from 2 meters to as much as 10–12 meters.
An example with numbers
EtWay has many years of experience in the supply and installation of Sound Solar Panels. The following is a simple example illustrating how a noise barrier 1 km long and 4.3 m high can generate a peak output of 490 kWp. Assuming that the noise barrier is located in central Italy and faces south, it receives approximately 1,300 hours of sunlight per year (data from the Photovoltaic Geographical Information System), generating more than 637,000 kWh annually.
This assumes that the majority of the energy generated will be used for self-consumption by connecting to a facility owned by the client (tunnel, public buildings, etc.) , resulting in annual savings of €191,000 – €4.8 million over 20 years and €6.5 million over 25 years .
If we compare the Sound Solar Panel noise barrier with a conventional noise barrier, the result is shown in the comparison chart: On the one hand, we have a conventional noise barrier that generates no revenue; on the other hand, we have a “Sound Solar Panel” noise barrier, which, although it incurs higher costs due to the photovoltaic system, it generates revenue that far exceeds those costs, so thatthe investment pays foritself and significant savings are achieved over time.
The Benefits of the Sound Solar Panel
- Certified Solution
- Guaranteed Financial Return
- Long service life of the investment >25 years
- Maximum acoustic efficiency
- Reduction of Environmental Impact
- Verified Energy Generation
- Minimal space requirement in the transverse direction
- Choosing a Color Scheme
- Modular Barrier
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Sound Solar Panel
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