The first solar pavement for use on a residential driveway has been installed in Hungary, showing that solar tiles need not be limited to rooftops.
Developed by Budapest-based company Platio, the system consists of interlocking units called Platio solar pavers. Each paver is made from 400 recycled PET plastic bottles for a product more durable than concrete, according to an article on Inhabitat.com.
Platio co-founder Imre Sziszák said: “Paved areas absorb solar radiation all day long as well. The walkable solar panels of Platio can utilize this new source of clean energy.”
The solar pavement can be installed in sizes up to 30 square meters and is suitable for driveways, balconies and patios. The energy it generates is fed into the household’s power network, with a 20-square-meter pavement capable of covering the annual energy consumption of an average household. The system can also be used to fuel electric cars.
Unlike roof-mounted solar tile systems, paved areas with good sunlight access have a larger-scale potential for energy production, according to the article.
