China opens first trial photovoltaic road

China's first photovoltaic road pilot zone has been completed in Jinan, capital city of Shandong province, September 29, 2017. [Photo: Qilu Transportation Development Group]

China's first photovoltaic road pilot zone has been built in Jinan, capital city of Shandong province, reports thepaper.cn.

160 meters long, and covering 660 square meters, the zone is located close to Yinfeng Wealth Square in Lixia district in the city.

The road, which is suitable for both passengers and cars, and even trucks, is fitted with photovoltaic modules, which generate electricity by collecting solar power.

China's first photovoltaic road pilot zone has been completed in Jinan, capital city of Shandong province, September 29, 2017. [Photo: Qilu Transportation Development Group]

The system can also heat the road surface, helping to keep it free from ice and snow.

Experts say in the near future, photovoltaic roads will also be able to charge electric vehicles.

They will also be able to exchange information with vehicles, laying the technological foundation for autonomous driving.

China's first photovoltaic road pilot zone has been completed in Jinan, capital city of Shandong province, September 29, 2017. [Photo: Qilu Transportation Development Group]

The project was launched in December last year, and the trial zone was completed in September this year, making it the first photovoltaic road in China.

It's reported construction work on China's first photovoltaic expressway will begin by the end of this year.

China is not alone in building such roads. A company in the United States is developing a prototype system to replace existing roads, parking lots and driveways with photovoltaic solar road panels that can generate electricity.

South Korea has also built a freeway with the central reserve covered by solar panels over a cycle path.

In October 2014, the world's first stretch of solar powered highway was built in The Netherlands. The road is 70 meters long and two meters wide, and for pedestrians and cyclists only.