World’s First Solar Road Fails to Meet Projections

In 2016, the first “solar road” in France was inaugurated. However, two years later, the project is neither efficient nor profitable. From issues with installation and a large number of broken panels, the solar road’s capabilities were questionable once it became operational.

Originally, the solar road was estimated to produce 790 kWh per day, providing between 3,000 to 5,000 people with power. In 2018, the solar road generated only 50% of its predicted target and is on track generate even less in 2019.

Not all solar roads have shared this fate. A trial with a SolarRoad cycle path in the Netherlands has generated more energy than initially expected and requires no additional maintenance than that of a traditional road.

Still, solar roads remain largely experimental. Variables such as coverage area, installation system, and general location play a large role in the success of any given solar roadway.