Sopago GmbH (Munich) develops modular PV roofing on sealed surfaces. So far, Sopago has only implemented photovoltaic systems for cars, campers, buses and trucks.
Sopago now wants to provide a solution for the roofing of highway sections. A first draft was created based on the Sopago modular construction method. The important thing here is to achieve a double benefit through a proper design. The focus of the additional benefits besides power generation is noise protection and protection of the road surface against precipitation and overheating.
Innovative PV roofing of bicycle lanes has already been implemented in South Korea and the Netherlands. Also, China wants to roof sections of their freeway. However, it was the Germans who built the first solar freeway near Aschaffenburg. The time is ripe to rethink highway roofs.
A great deal of development is still required to develop an economical and practical solution. For example, there are still many details to be clarified regarding solar modules, safety requirements, supporting structure, realistic impact loads, effects from wind and snow. It is also a challenge to ensure the drainage of these huge roof areas, the maintenance during ongoing operations and the cleaning and long-term durability of the construction above the highway.
Sopago is convinced that international engineering can solve this challenge and thus make an important contribution to climate protection. Sopago would like to establish a consortium among equal partners.
We are looking for innovative companies in the field of road sign bridge construction, concrete crash barriers, prefabricated concrete construction, noise protection, highway operation and photovoltaics that are interested in facing these challenges with the support of federal research funds.
If you feel that this is a suitable challenge for you as a company, please contact Sopago GmbH either by phone at +49 (0)89 – 904291280 or via www.sopago.org.
