Highway PV project passes trial run in Shanxi

The first highway photovoltaic project in Shanxi province has recently passed a trial run, according to Shanxi Road and Bridge Construction Co on May 10.

The project is part of a provincial plan to generate electricity using environmentally-friendly means. PV equipment will be installed on the roofs of buildings, in parking lots and along highways to harness the energy of the sun.

Compared with thermal power, the project will save around 54,000 tons of coal and 205,000 tons of water each year, reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 134,000 tons, cutting sulfur dioxide by 945 tons, and reducing dust to 32,000 tons.

At present the company has installed PV equipment on the Yushe-Heshun Highway and made initial investigations and plans for work in other areas.

It's estimated that total installed PV capacity will reach 100mW once the project covers all highways in Shanxi province. Annual production of clean electricity will amount to 175 million kWh and annual revenues are expected to hit 185 million yuan ($29.21 million).