FRESNO (KMJ) — Caltrans is looking to the skies for help.
The states’ Department of Transportation has signed a letter of intent with the Province of Noord-Holland in the Netherlands to explore a new path to renewable energy.
Parts of that area have implemented what’s called a ‘SolaRoad’, which traps sunlight falling on the road surface and converts it into electricity using built in solar cells. The energy is transferred into it though a translucent top layer of tempered glass, and the electricity generated can be used for street lighting, traffic systems, electric vehicles, and domestic use.
“We’re excited to explore the application of solar energy in Caltrans assets”, says Caltrans Director Malcolm Dougherty. “Everything from emergency power generation to provide self-sustaining maintenance stations to lighting signs and lamps, among others”.
The first SolaRoad project in the Netherlands was originally installed on a bicycle path. It opened in 2014 and is currently part-way through a three year test. A 230ft length of SolaRoad currently installed in the Netherlands generated 10,000KW per hour in its first year.
Caltrans plans to try out the technique along a section of Interstate 5 in Kern County.
