Germany could install 1.5 GWp of solar on noise protection structures

Germany has the potential to deploy 1,478 MWp of solar capacity on noise protection structures along railways and roads, shows an analysis by the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV).

Noise protection facilities across the country are more than 4,770 km (2,778 mi) long and solar panels installed on these structures could generate 1,412 GWh annually, saving about 968,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions per year.

Noise protection barriers along roads have the biggest potential of all structures analysed in the study. The results show that solar panels with a total capacity of 1,192 MWp could be set up on such structures if 50% of their surface is used for this purpose. This capacity would generate 1,211 GWh of clean power per year.

Additionally, assuming the use of monocrystalline photovoltaic modules and the use of 10% of the available 1,830 km of noise barriers along railways, the potential for solar capacity in such areas is estimated at 85 MWp with an annual output of 59 GWh.

The experts noted that they have deliberately applied conservative estimates to calculate the useable area and have not taken into account the use of bifacial modules and the two-sided use of noise protection walls in the north-south direction. A more detailed study is expected to unveil a higher technical potential.

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