The French Minister of Ecology and Energy has announced that it plans to cover 1,000km of roads with solar panels, which could generate power for up to five million, or 8%, of the country's population. The photovoltaic cells are arranged like tiles in a polycrystalline silicon layer that is applied directly to the road which will have the same amount of traction as asphalt and be strong enough to support fully-loaded lorries. Solar panels on top of cars would provide electricity at night when there isn't much demand from cars, but during peak hours they can also help reduce carbon dioxide emissions by producing electricity.
The French Minister of Ecology and Energy has announced that it plans to cover 1,000km of roads with solar panels, which could generate power for up to five million, or 8%, of the country's population. The photovoltaic cells are arranged like tiles in a polycrystalline silicon layer that is applied directly to the road which will have the same amount of traction as asphalt and be strong enough to support fully-loaded lorries. Testing of the new road surface is expected to begin in the spring; the installation across the network of roads will take five years.