Abstract Photovoltaic noise barrier (PVNB) is an integrated infrastructure that combine solar panels with noise barriers to collect solar energy and reduce noise. This study performed multi-criteria analysis of PVNBs in terms of energy, economic, and environmental impacts. Different design configurations are compared, including top-mounted tilted, top-mounted bifacial, vertical built-on, and shingles built-on PVNBs. The energy outputs of PVNBs at different locations of U.S. with varying solar irradiations and orientations are simulated. The present value, energy benefits, and reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are evaluated along with the payback time. The multi-criteria analysis indicates that the PVNB with shingles present the best overall results. However, the projects aiming faster payback time (economic, environmentally, and energetic) should prefer the PVNB with tilted and bifacial top-mounted panels. The analysis approach can be customized to help implementation of PVNB in site selection, design analysis, and benefits quantification.
Sustainability impact of photovoltaic noise barriers with different design configurations
2023-01-18
Article (Journal)
Electronic Resource
English
Design Study and Potential Implementation of Photovoltaic Noise Barriers for Sustainable Highways
Transportation Research Record | 2023
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