The Economic Feasibility of Solar-Photovoltaic Noise Barriers in Road Infrastructure: A Case Study of Serbia
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Abstract
Implementing photovoltaic noise barrier (PVNB) systems may help facilitate significant energy, economic and environmental benefits, including reducing CO₂ emissions and increasing electricity production from renewable sources. Effectively implementing such systems requires conducting pilot projects, developing internal standards and design and construction norms, creating financial support models and putting incentives in place to encourage wider implementation. Through a case study focusing on their application in the Republic of Serbia (RS), this study seeks to analyse the economic feasibility and environmental benefits of PVNB systems as well as their economic potential and sustainability in road infrastructure. The study’s methodology employs cost-benefit analysis (CBA), net present value (NPV), internal rate of return (IRR) and payback period (PBP). Two technical solutions (Variant A and Variant B), oriented in eight possible positions in cardinal directions, are considered. The results point to the extended technical solution (Variant B), which achieves better economic indicators by including additional solar panels placed at optimal angles (especially facing south, south-east and south-west).
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