A review on the influencing factors of solar pavement power generation efficiency

Solar pavement is a new type of pavement structure based on road energy collection, it makes the main body of the road change from energy consumer to energy supplier and has huge development potential and broad application prospects. However, the difficulty of solar pavement in achieving the expected power generation efficiency in practical applications has become an important reason for restricting its development. Therefore, this study summarizes and reviews the structural forms of solar pavement and the factors influencing its power generation efficiency by collecting and sorting relevant literature. Firstly, the three-layer type structure of solar pavement is analyzed and the advantages and disadvantages of the two structural forms of solid and hollow panels are compared. On this basis, the road environment and internal factors affecting the effectiveness of solar pavement power generation are comprehensively analyzed. The results of the study demonstrate that, in consideration of traffic loads and pavement structural requirements, the power generation efficiency of solar pavements must consider the impact of distinctive factors, including dynamic shadow occlusion, transparent panel characteristics, and pavement structure type, in addition to the influence of conventional factors. The combined effect of these factors leads to the current solar pavement power generation efficiency and power generation durability being far less than expected. The existing literature indicates that for solar pavements to be financially viable over a 20-year operational period, their levelized cost of electricity must be less than 0.2 $/kWh. Accordingly, the challenges and prospects of the power generation performance of solar pavement are discussed, and in-depth research can be strengthened in the areas of testing and evaluation methods, construction and maintenance technology, power generation durability, techno-economic feasibility and profitability, and life cycle assessment. In the long term, the potential for solar pavement power generation needs to be further explored.