SolaRoad, Solar power prototype in Krommenie, Netherlands
SolaRoad is an experimental bicycle path with a surface of prefabricated concrete slabs covered in tempered glass and embedded with crystalline silicon solar cells. The 90-meter stretch was designed to generate electricity while supporting cyclists traveling through the area.
The path was developed in 2014 by the Netherlands Organization for Applied Scientific Research as the world's first solar-powered bicycle path. It marked a turning point in exploring how energy could be generated within transportation infrastructure.
The project demonstrates Dutch commitment to combining cycling infrastructure with clean energy solutions in daily transportation. It reflects how the country integrates renewable technology into everyday spaces where people live and move around.
The path is suitable for cycling and functions like any other bicycle route, though riders should watch for minor imperfections in the glass surface. Visitors should exercise caution when the surface is wet, as the glass can become slippery.
The glass surface became cloudy over time due to algae growth and dirt accumulation, which reduced electricity generation. This unexpected challenge revealed that maintaining such road projects requires more effort than the original design anticipated.
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