Roads Play Generator Game

British motorways are set to power the country. The Highways Agency has given the go-ahead for solar panels to be built beside carriageways, which will generate electricity for the national grid.

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19th February 2004

Scientists from the Transport Research Laboratory (TRL) in Crowthorne, Berks, have found that south- facing roadside noise barriers are ideal locations for solar panels because they get maximum sunshine. And they've been given the green light to test the suntraps at Junction 9 of the M27 near Fareham, Hants.

The electricity generated by the 54-metre-long grey/blue panels will be fed straight into the national grid. It's hoped each will provide enough power for five houses. Maker SolarCentury already has hundreds of solar-powered parking ticket machines across Britain. Spokeswoman Kathryn Hull said: "It is good to see the UK trying this technology. It's already used in Europe and has proved its worth." Work started on the M27 panels this month, and the renewable energy units will be closely monitored. TRL wants to check drivers won't get distracted by the new equipment, and also to make sure it is good value for money.