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Eco-friendly pathways: Exploring the potential of remote-controlled photovoltaic pavement in pedestrian sidewalks

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  • Allahdadi, Hamidreza
  • Allahdadi, Mohammad
  • Amlashi, Amir Tavana
  • Walubita, Lubinda F.
  • Dessouky, Samer

Abstract

Energy harvesting technology, specifically photovoltaic (PV) systems, presents a promising avenue for enhancing road infrastructure sustainability. However, the viability and environmental impacts of such technologies remain areas of significant concern. This experimental study conducted over the course of a year (October 2023 to September 2024) rigorously examines the feasibility, efficiency, and both economic and environmental impacts of embedding photovoltaic (PV) technology into pedestrian sidewalks. Two distinct solar panel installations were assessed, exploring how key climate parameters such as air temperature, humidity, and solar radiation significantly influenced their efficiency and energy output. Utilizing a Random Forest (RF) regressor, the study identified solar radiation and air temperature as critical determinants of energy generation. The analysis also considered the impact of foot traffic, revealing 'Cumulative Foot Activity' as a substantial variable affecting the efficiency of the first photovoltaic panel, PV I. Financially, PV I, which covered an area of 0.6 m2, involved initial costs of $1500 per square meter and rehabilitation costs of $342 per square meter, producing 2093.54 kWh/m2 which resulted in a Levelized Cost of Electricity (LCOE) of $1.004/kWh. In contrast, the second photovoltaic (PV) panel, PV II, slightly larger at 0.67 m2 and less expensive with initial costs of $1000 per square meter, generated 3087.91 kWh/m2, achieving an LCOE of $0.45/kWh. Notably, PV II excelled in environmental stewardship, avoiding 1611.89 kg of CO2 emissions per square meter over two decades, surpassing the 1092.83 kg CO2eq/m2 mitigated by PV I.

Suggested Citation

  • Allahdadi, Hamidreza & Allahdadi, Mohammad & Amlashi, Amir Tavana & Walubita, Lubinda F. & Dessouky, Samer, 2025. "Eco-friendly pathways: Exploring the potential of remote-controlled photovoltaic pavement in pedestrian sidewalks," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 239(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:renene:v:239:y:2025:i:c:s0960148124021955
    DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2024.122127
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