Solar power redefined: Dutch town hall taps pavement energy

Once again, the Netherlands proves it is a leader in sustainable energy and innovative technologies. A pavement in one of the cities looks like any other at first glance but has an extraordinary function. Equipped with special solar panels, it can collect solar energy and power the nearby town hall.

In Groningen, a system based on special solar pavers was installed in an area of approximately 400 square metres. This is part of the "Making City" project, which aims to reduce CO2 emissions in participating cities.

Our patented technology prevents micro-cracks in photovoltaic cells, provided they are not loaded with a weight exceeding 2 tonnes, which ensures the safe use of the pavement - emphasised Helga Ruscsak from Platio in an interview with pv-magazine.

The pavement in Groningen consists of 2,544 solar pavers, which annually produce 55,000 kWh for powering the town hall. The modules measure approximately 35.3 x 35.3 x 4.1 centimetres, and each weighs about 6 kilograms. They are covered with 1 centimetre of tempered glass, and the frames are made from recycled polymer composite. The company provides a five-year warranty on the pavers.

According to PV-magazine, Patio pavers are suitable for various applications, such as pavements, terraces, driveways, and cycle paths. On roads, they can withstand vehicles weighing up to 8 tonnes, provided the load is evenly distributed over four modules, each with a strength of about 2 tonnes.