Solar driveways turn European patios into small power stations
European households are adding solar panels to driveways and patios as high energy bills encourage interest in home generation, Euronews reports. Hungary-based PLATIO has installations in 13 European countries; its 9-square-metre driveway system in Hungary is rated at 1.7 kWp, while a courtyard installation near Frankfurt is rated at 6.64 kWp. Horizontal panels generate less than angled rooftop panels, and the payback period is difficult to estimate.
Bottom line — PLATIO’s 6.64 kWp courtyard system could cover a typical three-bedroom home’s annual electricity needs at maximum generation.
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Euronews reports that Germany’s Enpal saw solar-panel enquiries rise 30% after the first weeks of the US-Israel war against Iran.
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EON recorded a 23% increase in UK solar interest from 23 February to 1 March, then a further 63% from 2 to 8 March, according to Euronews.
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Solar Power Europe estimates that solar has saved the EU €40 billion in avoided gas imports since the conflict began, Euronews reports.
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PLATIO protects its panels with toughened, anti-slip glass designed to withstand foot traffic and parked cars.
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PLATIO says dust-related performance losses can be as little as 3%, depending on the installation.
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Global Solar Council chief executive Sonia Dunlop told Euronews that shaded or unsuitable roofs can make conventional rooftop solar unfeasible.