Noise barriers along transport routes serve the important function of shielding residents from traffic noise. However, these sealed surfaces should also be utilized in the future for generating clean and local green energy through the installation of photovoltaic (PV) systems. PV systems are either installed directly onto the noise barriers or integrated as an essential part of their design. The generated energy can be used directly to power road infrastructure, such as street lighting or traffic control systems.
AIT has played a key role in supporting and guiding the product development of the "Kraftwerk Lärmschutzwand" by the Kirchdorfer Group (MABA). Wooden-concrete noise barriers have been equipped with a highly adaptable photovoltaic solution that ensures optimal solar yields across various locations.
PV Integration: Noise barrier as Power Plant
A system has been developed that can be used for both existing and newly constructed noise barriers. With the help of a highly absorbent Y-shaped element positioned at the top of the noise barrier, PV panels can be installed quickly and can start generating electricity immediately upon commissioning. By using an adjustable substructure, the photovoltaic panels can be optimally aligned to the sun while simultaneously being secured against the expected wind and snow loads at each specific location.
Maximum Efficiency: Solar Technology Meets Acoustics
For a designated pilot project, AIT has calculated yield forecasts and the potential for CO₂ savings. The solar power generated by this product is expected to offset the total energy consumption required for manufacturing, transportation, and installation of the "Kraftwerk Lärmschutzwand" within just two years of operation. AIT has developed innovative approaches for combining photovoltaics with other technologies and sectors. This product is the result of extensive variant studies, technology options, yield and cost analyses, as well as acoustic simulations and measurements conducted in the AIT laboratory. These integrated solutions enable a flexible, efficient, and scalable use of solar energy, even in complex applications. The client for this project was MABA Fertigteilindustrie GmbH of the Kirchdorfer Group.
Pioneering Infrastructure Projects with PV Noise Barriers
Additional infrastructure projects utilizing this product were implemented in January 2025. As part of an ongoing collaboration, work is already underway on the next generation of PV noise barriers with wooden-concrete absorbers. AIT will once again contribute its expertise in photovoltaic solutions, acoustic analyses, and measurement technology.
Meidling’s New PV Noise Barriers: A Fusion of Nature and Technology
Another innovative project supported by AIT’s expertise. At the Leopoldine-Glöckel-Weg / Kirchfeldgasse location, a total of 14 noise barrier elements with PV panels and approximately 40 linear meters of conventional noise barriers have been installed. This measure helps reduce noise pollution by around 6 dB in the adjacent garden allotment area. As part of the Climate and Energy Fund support for this project, AIT will conduct a one-year monitoring study on the PV noise barriers in Meidling, starting in January 2025. The study will focus on efficiency, operational performance, degradation, and pollution to assess the long-term performance and sustainability of the system. More information on this project (german).
