Photovoltaic Noise Barrier Market Size, Share, Opportunities, And Trends By Configuration (Top-Mounted, Integrated), By Solar Panel Type (Monocrystalline, Polycrystalline, Thin-Film Solar Panel), By Application (Motorways, Freeways, Others), And By Geography - Forecasts From 2023 To 2028

The photovoltaic noise barrier market is projected to grow strongly during the forecast period. Photovoltaic noise barriers represent innovative technology solutions crafted to reduce noise pollution, specifically originating from road traffic, and simultaneously generate renewable energy. The design integrates a noise mitigation system with a photovoltaic setup, which harnesses sunlight and transforms it into electrical energy.  The configurations of photovoltaic noise barriers are available in both top-mounted and integrated. The growth of the photovoltaic noise barrier industry is being propelled by the increasing problem of noise pollution, the widespread adoption of solar energy, and the supportive initiatives implemented by various governments.

Favorable R&D investment in photovoltaic technology bolsters the photovoltaic noise barrier market.

Investments in research and development (R&D) of photovoltaic technology are a significant driver for the growth of the photovoltaic noise barrier (PVNB) industry. Technological advancements made through R&D can increase the efficiency, durability, and cost-effectiveness of photovoltaic cells, making PVNBs an increasingly viable solution for noise pollution and renewable energy generation. Furthermore, R&D efforts can lead to the development of innovative PVNB designs and configurations. For instance, in October 2022, First Solar, a prominent manufacturer of solar panels, announced $270 million in investments towards the establishment of a research and development innovation center that will concentrate its efforts on the advancement of thin-film Solar Photovoltaic (PV) technology.

Adoption of solar energy drives the photovoltaic noise barrier market.

Photovoltaic noise barriers are increasingly being used in the solar energy sector due to their dual functionality. They not only aid in reducing noise pollution, which is a growing concern in densely populated urban areas but also help generate clean, renewable solar energy. The surge in the adoption of solar energy is largely driven by growing environmental consciousness and the ongoing global shift towards renewable energy sources. For instance, in 2022, India ramped up its solar PV installations to 18 GW, marking a considerable increase of nearly 40% compared to the installations in the previous year, 2021. Also, in September 2022, the Union Road Transport and Highways Minister announced the development of electric highways fuelled by solar energy.

Government initiatives drive photovoltaic noise barrier market growth.

Governments are increasingly recognizing the dual benefits of photovoltaic noise barriers in not only curbing noise pollution along highways and railways but also generating renewable solar energy. They are implementing supportive policies, such as subsidies and tax incentives, to encourage the deployment of these systems. Furthermore, infrastructure projects are established with the inclusion of photovoltaic noise barriers, further stimulating demand. For instance, in January 2022, The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) initiated an ambitious project to construct a large-scale solar noise barrier along its highways. This innovative structure, set to be one of its kind in Massachusetts, is projected to produce approximately 802,000kWh of electricity annually.

North America is predicted to dominate the photovoltaic noise barrier market.

North America will dominate the photovoltaic noise barrier market due to the escalating adoption of solar energy in the region, in combination with supportive initiatives undertaken by its leading economies like the United States and Canada, which are demonstrating a strong commitment to combating noise pollution and promoting renewable energy sources. For instance, in June 2022, Mitrex, announced a collaboration with Durisol and Silentium Group, industry leaders in the noise barrier sector, to develop photovoltaic highway noise barriers. This joint venture paves the way for the widespread deployment of solar highway noise barriers across North America. Also, in December 2020, Peachtree Corners, Georgia, achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first location in the US to implement solar roadways.

Durability and weather resistance restrain the photovoltaic noise barrier market growth.

Photovoltaic noise barriers (PVNBs), by their design and location, are necessarily exposed to the full brunt of external weather conditions. For instance, PVNBs located in regions that are not privy to abundant sunlight - perhaps due to a predominance of overcast skies, long winters, or short days may suffer from reduced solar energy conversion rates. This could compromise the energy generation potential of these installations, making them less effective and, consequently, less appealing to potential adopters. Furthermore, given their roadside placement, they could be targeted by vandals or accidentally damaged by vehicles, leading to not only potential downtime in energy production but also the imposition of additional costs related to repairs and security measures.

Key Developments

• January 2022: The Korea Institute of Energy Research innovatively designed a 3kW solar noise barrier with dual functionality to generate electricity and heat. This advanced system incorporates thermal solar modules that help in maintaining an optimal operating temperature for the photovoltaic panels. They achieve this by absorbing excess heat, thereby enhancing the overall performance and lifespan of the solar panels. This photovoltaic-thermal noise barrier is designed to replace traditional soundproof walls, providing an effective solution to reduce traffic noise while simultaneously producing renewable energy.
• December 2020: Heijmans, a construction contractor based in the Netherlands, launched a pioneering pilot project deploying a photovoltaic (PV) noise barrier at its site in Rosmalen, located in the Dutch province of North Brabant. The innovative test barrier, spanning a substantial 400 meters, has been outfitted with an impressive array of 136 solar panels, making use of three distinct types of PV technologies. These include thin-film bifacial CIGS (Copper Indium Gallium Selenide) cells provided by Solliance, bifacial crystalline solar cells supplied by Soltech, and Cadmium Telluride (CdTe) products offered by Sanko Solar.

Company Products

• Noise Barriers: Solar Innova presents cutting-edge noise barriers tailored for a broad range of infrastructure and industrial applications. These noise-mitigating solutions, available in both clear and solid versions, are designed specifically for the needs of the railway and road transport industries, providing an effective shield against the continuous noise produced in these sectors. Furthermore, these acoustic barriers are also applicable in other industries where noise control is crucial. One distinguishing attribute of Solar Innova's noise barriers is their unique capability for visual inspection of the area generating the noise, offering an enhanced level of control and monitoring.
• Photovoltaic Noise Barriers: Solitek's photovoltaic noise barriers offer a multi-faceted solution, effectively addressing noise reduction, protection of noise-sensitive zones from road traffic noise, and sustainable energy generation. With easy installation and maintenance, these barriers are adaptable to various module layouts and can seamlessly integrate with conventional acoustic modules. The flexibility to fit different distances of H beams ensures their compatibility with diverse infrastructures. Notably, Solitek's bifacial wall technology can generate up to 20% additional energy.

Segmentation

• By Configuration
  • Top-Mounted
  • Integrated
• By Solar Panel Type
  • Monocrystalline
  • Polycrystalline
  • Thin-Film Solar Panel
• By Application
  • Motorways
  • Freeways
  • Others
• By Geography
  • North America
    • USA
    • Canada
    • Mexico
  • South America
    • Brazil
    • Argentina
    • Others
  • Europe
    • Germany
    • UK
    • France
    • Spain
    • Others
  • Middle East and Africa
    • Saudi Arabia
    • UAE
    • Others
  • Asia Pacific
    • China
    • Japan
    • South Korea
    • India
    • Australia
    • Others