Mitrex, a Toronto-based manufacturer of integrated photovoltaics, has released a photovoltaic noise barrier (PVNB), which offers a Noise Reduction Coefficient (NRC) rating of up to 0.7 through ASTM C423 testing, solar power production, and enhanced aesthetics for use on roads and highways. The solar power produced by these new, innovative noise barriers can be directly supplied and used by nearby infrastructure.
With a capacity of up to 22 W/SF on a single side (and 37.4 W/SF on a bi-facial barrier), these highway noise barriers transform our roadways into energy generators while maintaining the structure’s functionality. On average, each kilometer will be a power plant generating over 1.2 megawatts of electricity. The PVNBs can be offered in any design, including opaque and transparent options.
Mitrex, along with Durisol and Silentium Group, have begun working with the Ministry of Transportation of Ontario (MTO) to assist in establishing product approval guidelines for this new technology by integrating Mitrex absorptive PVNB panels into existing MTO-approved noise wall system designs.
As these new guidelines are being established, both Durisol and Silentium Group have selected some of their existing noise barrier wall systems throughout North America to begin retrofitting them with Mitrex absorptive PVNB panel technology. These pilot projects with government entities are aimed to capture data and analyze the PVNBs.
“Partnerships like these allow us to decentralize energy and change the way we power our cities,” says Mitrex CEO Danial Hadizadeh. “We won’t stop here—we will continue to push the envelope to produce the next generation solar-integrated products. Cooperating with companies in other fields is where we can truly make a difference, and it’s essential to developing better, more efficient products and allows us to bring this technology to North America and beyond.”
Solar noise barrier key features:
- Sound absorptive noise barriers for any roadway
- Integrated solar technology made in Canada
- High production capacity of up to 22-37.4 W/SF of electricity
- Aesthetic options including opaque, semi-opaque, and transparent
- Low embodied carbon coupled with clean energy generation; a negative carbon embodiment of over -1000 kg of CO2 per SM.
Featured image: Solar highway noise barrier. (CNW Group/Mitrex – Integrated Solar Technology)
