Solar-powered paver to harness clean energy

30 May 2022 Power Electronics / Power Management

PLATIO Solar is a green-tech start-up company based in Hungary that has designed and manufactured a solar paver. The company, founded in 2015 by three young engineers, now has a reseller network covering more than 30 countries worldwide.

The company’s product – PLATIO – is an innovative solar paver tile that not only generates clean energy but is also environmentally friendly as its base is made from recycled material. A special manufacturing process results in a highly durable frame structure that can ensure trouble-free operation for decades after installation. The walkable pavers are protected by heavy-duty, anti-slip, impact-resistant glass panels which are not only safe to walk on but can even be driven on by a large truck. The load-bearing capacity of the solar panel surface and the protection of the cables is provided by a robust frame structure, giving it a maximum allowed vehicle wheel load of 2000 kg.

The solar paver is 353 x 353 mm, with a thickness of 41 mm. Each panel is covered by 10 mm of tempered glass and has a total mass of 6,5 kg.. The panel features high-performance solar cells with an efficiency of 18,6% providing a nominal power of 18,2 W. The measured short-circuit current is 8,9 A.

The product can be installed in places where other solar technologies cannot be deployed and may be used for pavements, driveways, sidewalks, parks, and many other off-grid applications where above-ground space for solar panel installations is limited.

Barcelona in Spain completed a 50 m² solar installation in a small park using PLATIO panels to assess the viability of the panels in helping the city’s green drive to become carbon neutral by 2050. The non-slip panels will generate 7560 kWh a year, enough to supply the energy requirements of three households. This project follows the installation of a 25 m stretch of solar cycle lane in the Dutch city of Utrecht which is currently being used to power lighting and heating of the path in winter to prevent it from icing over.

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