|
Forecast Period
|
2026-2030
|
|
Market Size (2024)
|
USD 1.01 Billion
|
|
Market Size (2030)
|
USD 4.95 Billion
|
|
CAGR (2025-2030)
|
30.12%
|
|
Fastest Growing Segment
|
Inverters
|
|
Largest Market
|
North America
|
Market Overview
The Solar Highway Market was
valued at USD 1.01 Billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 4.95 Billion by
2030 with a CAGR of 30.12%. The Solar Highway Market refers to the segment of
infrastructure development focused on integrating photovoltaic (PV) solar
energy technology directly into road surfaces and highway infrastructure to
generate renewable energy while supporting transportation needs. This market
encompasses the design, development, and deployment of solar-powered road
systems that utilize advanced materials—such as tempered glass panels, embedded
solar cells, and smart sensors—to convert sunlight into electricity. The generated
power can be used for multiple applications, including street lighting, traffic
signals, electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, and even feeding surplus
energy into the grid. Solar highways serve dual purposes by maximizing land use
efficiency and contributing to sustainable energy production without requiring
additional land resources.
The market includes various
technologies such as modular solar panels, energy storage systems, and
integrated smart systems that monitor traffic flow, environmental conditions,
and structural health. With growing concerns over climate change and the increasing
global demand for clean energy, solar highways offer an innovative solution to
decarbonize the transport sector while addressing energy challenges. The market
extends beyond just the roads themselves to include peripheral infrastructure
such as sound barriers, toll booths, and rest areas that can also be equipped
with solar panels. The Solar Highway Market is driven by a combination of
government initiatives, public-private partnerships, rising investments in
renewable energy, and advancements in solar technology that make it more
feasible and cost-effective for large-scale infrastructure integration.
Key Market Drivers
Growing Demand
for Sustainable Infrastructure and Renewable Energy Integration
The increasing
global emphasis on sustainable development and the urgent need to reduce
greenhouse gas emissions are significantly driving the growth of the solar
highway market. As governments and private sectors prioritize environmental
sustainability, integrating renewable energy solutions into existing
infrastructure is becoming a strategic necessity. Solar highways offer a
dual-functionality solution by enabling efficient transportation while
simultaneously generating clean electricity through embedded photovoltaic
panels in road surfaces or adjacent areas. This integration maximizes land use,
particularly in densely populated or land-constrained regions, and supports
national renewable energy targets.
Countries are
seeking innovative ways to meet climate goals, and solar highways represent a
forward-looking approach to decarbonizing both energy and transport sectors.
Moreover, as part of national energy transitions, solar highways align with the
broader agenda of reducing dependence on fossil fuels and diversifying the
energy mix. The ability of these highways to produce clean power that can feed
into the grid, support electric vehicle charging stations, or power road
infrastructure such as lighting and sensors makes them highly valuable. Their
scalability also allows deployment along highways, expressways, and smart city
corridors, further aligning with urban planning efforts.
The visibility
of solar highways also promotes public awareness and acceptance of renewable
energy, reinforcing government and corporate environmental commitments.
Additionally, the growing focus on carbon neutrality from industries,
transportation departments, and city councils is creating a favorable policy
and regulatory environment for solar road adoption. As environmental
regulations tighten and global institutions push for net-zero infrastructure,
the demand for solutions like solar highways is poised to accelerate,
positioning them as a critical component of future smart and sustainable
transport networks. Over 70% of global greenhouse gas emissions are linked to infrastructure-related activities, prompting urgent investment in sustainable systems. The global investment in sustainable infrastructure is projected to exceed USD 9 trillion by 2030. More than 130 countries have committed to net-zero emissions, accelerating renewable energy integration. Solar energy accounted for nearly 55% of global renewable capacity additions in the past year. The global renewable energy market is expected to reach USD 2 trillion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of over 10%. Smart infrastructure investments are estimated to reduce urban carbon emissions by up to 30% by 2030. The number of cities implementing sustainable infrastructure solutions has increased by over 80% in the last five years.
Advancements in
Photovoltaic and Road Construction Technologies
Rapid
technological advancements in both photovoltaic (PV) and road construction
technologies are key enablers of the solar highway market’s expansion.
Traditional solar panels, once limited by efficiency and fragility, have
evolved into robust, durable, and highly efficient solutions tailored for
integration with road infrastructure. Modern solar road panels are engineered
to withstand heavy vehicular loads, adverse weather conditions, and long-term
wear and tear while maintaining high energy output. Innovations such as
tempered glass with anti-skid coatings, embedded micro-inverters, and smart
grid connectivity have significantly improved system reliability and
performance.
In parallel,
advancements in construction materials and modular road designs have made it
easier and more cost-effective to embed solar systems into roadways during
initial development or retrofitting projects. These technological improvements
reduce maintenance costs, increase operational lifespans, and enhance safety,
making solar highways more commercially viable. Smart highway concepts, which
include solar PV panels integrated with IoT sensors, LED lighting, and
real-time data communication systems, are becoming increasingly attractive to
urban planners and transportation authorities. Additionally, the integration of
energy storage systems and wireless energy transfer technologies further
amplifies the value proposition of solar highways, offering consistent power
delivery even during low sunlight periods.
The synergy
between civil engineering and renewable energy technologies is making
large-scale implementation more feasible. As the cost of solar components
continues to decline and installation techniques become more streamlined, the
barrier to entry for solar highway projects is being lowered, attracting
greater interest from both public infrastructure agencies and private
investors. These advancements are setting the foundation for the widespread
deployment of smart solar highways across global markets. Global solar PV module efficiency has improved by over 25% in the past decade. The cost of photovoltaic systems has dropped by nearly 80% since 2010, enabling wider adoption. Over 1,000 GW of solar PV capacity has been installed globally, driven by continuous tech innovation. Smart road technology adoption is growing at a CAGR of 12–15% globally. More than 100 pilot projects worldwide are exploring solar-integrated roads and highways. Modern road construction now incorporates 40–50% recycled materials in several developed countries. Prefabricated and modular road-building techniques have reduced construction time by up to 30%.
Government
Initiatives and Investment in Smart Transportation Infrastructure
Strong
government support and increased public investment in smart transportation
infrastructure are major drivers fueling the growth of the solar highway
market. National and regional authorities across the globe are launching
ambitious programs to modernize road networks and reduce their environmental
impact. As part of broader smart city and green energy policies, governments
are allocating substantial funding for innovative infrastructure projects,
including solar-powered roads. These initiatives often come with favorable
regulations, subsidies, and pilot program funding that reduce the financial
burden on developers and encourage public-private partnerships.
Solar highways
are increasingly being included in strategic infrastructure plans due to their
potential to address multiple policy objectives simultaneously—such as
renewable energy generation, smart mobility, and climate change mitigation.
Furthermore, as nations aim to meet commitments under international climate
agreements, infrastructure that contributes to clean energy production while
improving transportation efficiency receives prioritized support. Governments
are also investing in complementary technologies such as electric vehicle
charging stations, smart lighting systems, and traffic monitoring devices,
which can be seamlessly powered by solar highways. These integrated approaches
are transforming conventional roadways into multi-functional energy and data
platforms.
Additionally,
public agencies are creating performance benchmarks and technical standards for
solar highway projects, facilitating wider adoption and ensuring quality
assurance. The presence of government-backed research programs and
demonstration projects is also helping to validate the technical and economic
feasibility of solar road systems. With public procurement policies
increasingly favoring sustainable infrastructure solutions, solar highways are
gaining traction as a key component of next-generation transport systems. This
proactive public sector involvement is not only de-risking initial investments
but also driving long-term growth and innovation in the market.

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Key Market Challenges
High Installation and
Maintenance Costs
One of the most significant
challenges facing the solar highway market is the extremely high cost
associated with the installation and ongoing maintenance of solar-integrated
road surfaces. Unlike conventional rooftop or ground-mounted solar panels, solar
highways require highly durable and technologically advanced materials that can
withstand constant vehicular pressure, extreme weather conditions, and
long-term exposure to environmental stressors. These panels must be reinforced
with materials such as tempered glass or high-strength composites, which
significantly increases the manufacturing and deployment cost per unit compared
to traditional solar installations.
Furthermore, installation on
roadways requires specialized labor, road closures, and rerouting of traffic,
adding logistical complexity and cost. In many cases, roads must be
custom-designed or retrofitted with embedded solar panels, which may involve altering
existing infrastructure such as drainage systems, cabling, and structural
supports. In addition to initial capital investment, maintenance of solar
highways poses another financial burden. Roads face continuous mechanical
stress from heavy vehicles, exposure to oil spills, dirt accumulation, snow,
and ice—factors that degrade solar panel efficiency and require frequent
cleaning, repairs, and replacements. Ensuring consistent energy output and
safety standards often necessitates the use of advanced monitoring systems and
climate-resistant coatings, which further increase operating expenses.
This high cost structure
makes the return on investment relatively slow, especially in regions where
energy prices are low or where conventional solar solutions are more
cost-effective. As a result, many public and private stakeholders are hesitant
to invest in large-scale deployments without clear evidence of long-term
performance reliability and cost efficiency. In developing economies, the
challenge is further magnified due to budget constraints, limited technical
expertise, and higher risks associated with the adoption of emerging
technologies. While pilot projects have shown potential, scalability remains
limited because of the unfavorable cost-benefit ratio when compared to more
established renewable energy alternatives.
Unless there are significant
breakthroughs in material science, production methods, and system integration,
the high costs associated with solar highways will continue to hinder broader
adoption and pose a major barrier to market growth. This challenge necessitates
greater R&D investments and collaborative efforts between technology
developers, infrastructure agencies, and governments to drive innovation,
reduce costs, and establish viable financial models to support widespread
implementation.
Technological and Performance
Limitations
Another critical challenge in
the solar highway market lies in the current technological and performance
limitations of solar-integrated road systems. Unlike conventional solar panels,
which are optimized for maximum energy capture by being installed at ideal tilt
angles and orientations, solar highway panels are laid flat on the road
surface. This drastically reduces their exposure to direct sunlight and
therefore limits their energy conversion efficiency. Additionally, these panels
are frequently shadowed by moving vehicles or obstructed by dirt, snow, or
debris, further reducing energy output.
Since they are embedded in
the ground, their temperature regulation becomes another concern—overheating
during summer and reduced efficiency in cold or icy conditions negatively
affect performance. Moreover, developing photovoltaic materials that are not
only efficient but also durable enough to endure the mechanical pressure of
thousands of vehicles daily is a substantial technological hurdle. Cracking,
delamination, and microfractures can compromise both safety and functionality,
while surface materials must simultaneously provide adequate traction and
resistance to wear. Integrating energy storage and grid connectivity
infrastructure into road systems also adds complexity. Solar highways must be
equipped with smart systems to channel electricity efficiently to the grid or
nearby facilities, which requires robust data infrastructure, sensor
integration, and energy management systems—technologies that are still in their
nascent stages for road-based applications.
Furthermore, the absence of
standardization in materials, designs, and protocols for solar highways creates
uncertainty in performance predictability, making large-scale procurement and
regulatory approval more difficult. Public safety concerns also arise due to
the potential for slippery surfaces, reduced road visibility, or panel
malfunctions, all of which require rigorous testing and certification. The lack
of long-term performance data from pilot projects hinders stakeholder
confidence in system durability and reliability. Without proven success across
varied climates and road conditions, there is resistance from municipalities,
transport authorities, and private investors to scale these solutions beyond
experimental phases.
Additionally, integrating
solar roadways into existing urban infrastructure involves alignment with
complex traffic management systems, public utility grids, and urban development
plans—all of which demand multi-agency collaboration and extensive coordination.
Until these technological and performance limitations are addressed through
innovation, testing, and validation, the solar highway market will face
adoption barriers that limit its global scalability and commercial viability.
Key Market Trends
Integration of Photovoltaics
with Transportation Infrastructure
A significant trend in the
solar highway market is the increasing integration of photovoltaic (PV)
technology into transportation infrastructure to optimize space utilization and
energy generation. With land scarcity becoming a critical challenge in many
countries, governments and infrastructure developers are turning to road
surfaces and adjacent areas as untapped opportunities for clean energy
production. By embedding solar panels directly into highways, sidewalks, noise
barriers, and adjacent road structures, this trend is enabling dual-use
infrastructure that not only supports vehicular movement but also contributes
to decentralized power generation.
The concept of
energy-generating roads is gaining momentum, especially in urban and semi-urban
regions where large-scale solar farms may not be feasible. This integration
aligns with broader smart city initiatives and sustainability goals, allowing
transport departments to reduce reliance on traditional grid energy for
powering roadside lighting, traffic signals, EV charging stations, and smart
signage systems. It also opens up avenues for cost savings and long-term energy
independence for municipalities. Moreover, advancements in solar panel
durability, anti-slip coatings, and weight-bearing capacities are addressing
the earlier concerns regarding the viability of PV surfaces under heavy
vehicular load.
As R&D efforts continue
to improve panel efficiency and installation techniques, more pilot projects
are transitioning to commercial-scale implementations. This is particularly
evident in countries with high solar potential and large infrastructure budgets.
The integration trend is also fostering public-private partnerships, where
energy companies collaborate with highway authorities to co-develop
energy-positive roads that feed excess power back into the grid. As these
systems evolve, the synergy between renewable energy and mobility
infrastructure is expected to be a transformative force in shaping low-carbon
urban landscapes, opening up scalable market opportunities for solution
providers and construction firms alike.
Growth of Electric Vehicle
(EV) Ecosystems Driving Demand for Solar Highways
The rapid growth of electric
vehicle (EV) adoption is serving as a powerful catalyst for the expansion of
the solar highway market, as countries worldwide work to build a robust and
clean transportation infrastructure. One of the primary challenges associated
with EV adoption is the need for widespread, reliable, and sustainable charging
networks. Solar highways provide a promising solution by integrating renewable
energy generation directly into the transportation corridors that EVs
frequently use. By embedding or installing photovoltaic panels alongside or on
road surfaces, these systems can power roadside EV charging stations, lighting,
and signage without depending on fossil-fuel-based grid power.
This trend is being fueled by
a growing number of government mandates and incentives promoting zero-emission
transportation, particularly in urban corridors and national highways.
Moreover, the opportunity to decentralize energy supply and reduce transmission
losses makes solar highways an attractive proposition for energy planners and
transport departments. In addition, the ability to pair solar highways with
energy storage systems ensures uninterrupted service during low sunlight
periods, further enhancing their reliability. EV manufacturers, utility
companies, and infrastructure developers are increasingly collaborating to
explore innovative solutions that combine solar road technology with
fast-charging capabilities, vehicle-to-grid integration, and real-time data
analytics.
This integration is paving
the way for intelligent transportation systems where vehicles and
infrastructure communicate seamlessly to optimize energy use. As EV adoption
accelerates, the strategic deployment of solar highways is expected to play a
critical role in enabling clean mobility, offering a reliable source of
renewable energy while transforming national road networks into intelligent,
energy-positive assets. This trend is set to open up substantial business
opportunities for solar panel manufacturers, infrastructure engineering firms,
and renewable energy solution providers across global markets.
Advancements in Smart Road
Technology Enhancing Solar Highway Capabilities
The evolution of smart road
technology is significantly enhancing the capabilities and appeal of solar
highways, marking a transformative trend in the global infrastructure and
renewable energy sectors. Smart roads, which integrate sensors, data analytics,
IoT, and renewable power sources, are increasingly incorporating solar
technology to create self-sustaining and intelligent transportation networks.
These advanced systems go beyond merely generating electricity—they collect
traffic data, monitor weather conditions, and communicate real-time information
to autonomous vehicles and control centers.
The fusion of solar highways
with smart technology enables dynamic features such as adaptive lighting,
automated tolling, predictive maintenance alerts, and hazard detection, all
powered by clean solar energy generated on-site. As urban areas grow more congested
and mobility demands increase, smart solar roads are emerging as a practical
solution for managing traffic flow while reducing carbon emissions and
infrastructure energy costs. Governments and city planners are prioritizing
smart city infrastructure that is both energy-efficient and digitally
connected, making solar highways a key component of future-ready transport
ecosystems. The deployment of smart solar roads also supports disaster
resilience by maintaining power to critical transport functions during outages,
making them particularly valuable in climate-vulnerable regions.
Innovations such as modular
solar panels, embedded LED displays, wireless EV charging, and energy storage
integration are pushing the boundaries of what solar highways can offer.
Additionally, real-time monitoring capabilities improve asset management, reduce
maintenance costs, and increase operational efficiency for road authorities. As
this trend progresses, collaborations among tech firms, construction companies,
and renewable energy providers will become essential to scale up deployment.
The convergence of renewable energy with digital infrastructure not only
represents a significant leap in technological capability but also opens up a
multi-billion-dollar opportunity for stakeholders in the solar highway value
chain.
Segmental Insights
Component
Insights
The Solar Panels segment held
the largest Market share in 2024. The Solar Highway Market in the solar panels
segment is experiencing significant momentum, driven by the growing demand for
sustainable infrastructure and renewable energy integration in transportation
networks. The increasing emphasis on reducing carbon emissions and achieving
net-zero energy goals has led governments and private stakeholders to explore
innovative approaches like embedding solar panels into highway surfaces and
adjacent infrastructure. These solar panels enable roads to generate clean electricity
without occupying additional land, addressing space constraints in urban and
densely populated areas.
Technological advancements in
photovoltaic materials, such as increased durability, efficiency, and
load-bearing capacity, have enhanced the feasibility of integrating solar
panels into roadways. The dual functionality of highways—facilitating
transportation while serving as energy-generating assets—is increasingly
attractive for public infrastructure investment. Rising electricity prices and
grid dependency concerns further motivate authorities to invest in
decentralized, road-based solar energy systems to power street lighting,
traffic systems, electric vehicle charging stations, and adjacent public
infrastructure. Moreover, the expansion of electric mobility and the
corresponding need for sustainable energy sources align well with solar-powered
highways, which can provide localized, green charging solutions. Several pilot
projects worldwide have demonstrated the practicality and long-term benefits of
solar road systems, encouraging broader adoption.
In addition, government
initiatives offering financial incentives, R&D funding, and policy support
are accelerating the development and deployment of solar panels for highway
applications. The rising interest from smart city planners and the convergence
of digital technologies, such as IoT-based monitoring systems with solar
infrastructure, are further contributing to the growth of this market. As
infrastructure investment continues to shift toward eco-efficient and
multi-functional designs, solar panels on highways present a compelling case
for cost-effective, sustainable development. Their scalability, low operating
cost, and ability to transform passive transportation corridors into active
renewable energy assets position the solar panels segment as a critical driver
in the evolution of the solar highway market.
Application
Insights
The Roadways segment held the
largest Market share in 2024. The solar highway market in the roadways segment
is gaining significant momentum, driven by the increasing demand for
sustainable infrastructure and the global push toward reducing carbon
emissions. Governments and infrastructure agencies are under pressure to
modernize transportation systems while simultaneously addressing climate
change, prompting investment in dual-purpose roadways that can both support
vehicular traffic and generate renewable energy. Solar highways, embedded with
photovoltaic panels, offer a transformative solution by converting vast,
underutilized road surfaces into decentralized power generation assets.
This integration not only
supports the transition to clean energy but also enhances the utility of
existing infrastructure without requiring additional land. The rising adoption
of electric vehicles (EVs) further accelerates this demand, as solar highways
can be paired with wireless charging capabilities or roadside EV charging
stations, promoting sustainable mobility. Rapid urbanization and growing smart
city initiatives are also playing a critical role, with governments
increasingly exploring solar-powered roads as part of broader intelligent
transport systems. Technological advancements in solar panel durability,
anti-slip materials, and energy efficiency have improved the practicality and
performance of solar roadways, making them more suitable for large-scale
deployment.
Furthermore, the potential
for energy generated from solar highways to power nearby lighting, traffic
systems, or even feed into the grid provides a compelling economic incentive.
In regions with high solar irradiance and long road networks, such as Asia
Pacific, North America, and parts of Europe, solar highways offer a scalable
and strategic solution to meet renewable energy targets. Public-private
partnerships and pilot projects are also contributing to the growth of this
segment, as infrastructure companies collaborate with technology providers to
demonstrate feasibility and long-term benefits. The integration of sensors and
IoT capabilities within solar roads allows for real-time monitoring of traffic
patterns, temperature, and structural health, adding further value to road
management systems.
Additionally, increased
environmental awareness among the public and stakeholders has led to greater
acceptance and demand for innovative, eco-friendly infrastructure solutions.
Overall, the convergence of environmental policy mandates, smart mobility trends,
and the pursuit of energy self-sufficiency are key factors propelling the
growth of the solar highway market in the roadways segment, creating a robust
foundation for long-term investment and innovation.

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Regional Insights
Largest Region
The North America region held
the largest market share in 2024. The Solar Highway Market in North America is
being driven by a convergence of environmental, technological, and policy-based
factors aimed at transforming traditional transportation infrastructure into
sustainable, energy-generating assets. One of the primary drivers is the
increasing emphasis on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and transitioning to
renewable energy sources, as both the United States and Canada have implemented
aggressive climate goals and clean energy targets. Federal and state-level support
through funding programs, tax incentives, and green infrastructure policies are
encouraging the integration of solar technologies into highway systems.
These policies are especially
prominent in states like California, Oregon, and Georgia, where pilot solar
road and smart highway projects are being actively explored. The vast and aging
road infrastructure in North America presents a unique opportunity for
innovation by repurposing underutilized surfaces, such as medians, rest areas,
and noise barriers, for solar panel deployment. In addition, advancements in
photovoltaic materials, smart grid technology, and wireless power transfer
systems are making solar highways more technically feasible and economically
viable. The rise of electric vehicles (EVs) is also contributing to market
growth, as solar highways can potentially serve as distributed energy resources
that power EV charging stations and reduce reliance on centralized energy
grids.
Furthermore, the integration
of solar panels into roadways offers dual functionality by enabling power
generation while maintaining traffic functionality, aligning with the smart
city movement that emphasizes efficiency, resilience, and data-driven urban
planning. Public-private partnerships are playing a critical role in scaling
solar highway projects by pooling investment and expertise from both
infrastructure developers and clean energy providers. Growing public awareness
of climate change and increased demand for sustainable infrastructure are also
influencing government and corporate decision-making in favor of
solar-integrated road systems. Additionally, North America’s strong R&D
ecosystem, involving universities, national labs, and startups, is contributing
to innovation in solar road materials, thermal management, and weather
durability—key areas for long-term deployment.
The push for energy
independence and grid decentralization in rural and suburban regions further
supports the adoption of solar highways as they can provide reliable, local
energy generation. As smart mobility technologies such as connected vehicles,
traffic sensors, and autonomous driving gain traction, solar highways are being
positioned as platforms to integrate these solutions while reducing energy
costs and carbon footprints. Collectively, these drivers are fostering a
favorable environment for the growth of the solar highway market in North
America, with the potential to revolutionize how transportation networks
contribute to clean energy goals, infrastructure modernization, and long-term
sustainability.
Emerging region:
South America is
the emerging region in Solar Highway Market. South America’s emerging solar
highway market is being propelled by a convergence of macroeconomic,
environmental, and infrastructure trends that are creating powerful tailwinds
for growth; first, governments across the region—including Brazil, Chile, Argentina,
and Colombia—are prioritizing renewable energy expansion as part of national
decarbonization commitments, offering incentives, tax breaks, and regulatory
frameworks that encourage deployment of solar-integrated roadways; second, the
region’s rapidly growing urbanization and expanding transportation
infrastructure, especially in remote and off‑grid areas, are sparking interest in dual‑use assets where highways serve not only as mobility corridors but also
as energy generation platforms to power lighting, signage, electric vehicle
charging points, and adjacent communities.
The abundance of
high‑insolation zones—particularly in the Atacama desert
and other high‑sunlight corridors—makes solar highway installations
technically viable and economically attractive; fourth, escalating fuel and
electricity prices are intensifying the search for localized, grid‑independent energy sources, making solar highways a
cost‑effective alternative by transforming road surfaces or
roadside infrastructure into renewable power assets; fifth, integration of
smart infrastructure—such as IoT‑enabled sensors,
lighting control systems, and EV charging infrastructure—complements solar
assets and enhances road safety, grid resilience, and traffic management,
creating new value propositions for municipalities and concessionaires; sixth,
innovative financing models including public‑private partnerships, green bonds, and energy‑as‑a‑service structures are reducing upfront investment
barriers and providing developers with scalable project pipelines.
Compelling pilot
successes and demonstration projects in Brazil, Chile, and Argentina are
building proof‑of‑concept
confidence among investors and policymakers, showcasing solar road and bike‑lane installations that deliver both renewable power
and lighting or monitoring services; eighth, growing global interest in
sustainable infrastructure and ESG alignment is encouraging international
investors and multilateral institutions to fund solar highway initiatives as
part of climate‑resilient infrastructure portfolios; ninth, the region’s
agricultural and industrial sectors located near rural highways stand to
benefit from decentralized power generation—solar highway installations can
serve as backward‑compatible
sources of electricity for farm operations, cold storage, or community
microgrids.
As electric
vehicle adoption accelerates in major South American markets, integrating solar
capabilities directly into highway corridors presents an opportunity to support
roadside charging infrastructure powered by clean energy, reducing dependency
on fossil‑fuel based grid power and enhancing energy autonomy
for long‑distance transport networks. Collectively, these
drivers are creating a compelling business case for solar highway deployment
across South America, positioning the region as a fertile growth frontier for
innovative, multi‑functional
infrastructure that merges mobility, energy production, and digital
connectivity into a unified platform.
Recent Developments
- In July 2024,
Cavnue, a subsidiary of Sidewalk Infrastructure Partners, launched a smart
highway pilot on a three-mile stretch of Interstate 94 in Michigan, USA. The
corridor features technology poles spaced every 200 meters, equipped with
sensors, computing pods, and advanced communication systems. Designed to
enhance traffic flow and reduce emissions, the initiative informs both human
and autonomous drivers of real-time road conditions, paving the way for
scalable smart infrastructure.
- In August 2024,
the Australian Government granted environmental clearance for SunCable’s
Australia-Asia Power Link. The project includes a massive solar farm in the
Northern Territory, an 800 km transmission line to Darwin, and a 4,300 km
subsea cable to power Singapore. This flagship initiative exemplifies the
scalability of decentralized energy infrastructure for cross-border energy
supply, advancing regional energy security and decarbonization.
- In August 2024,
the Government of Uttar Pradesh, India approved a 450 MW solar project along
the 296 km Bundelkhand Expressway. Developed with the Global Energy Alliance
for People and Planet (GEAPP), this initiative aims to build India’s first
“solar expressway.” Expected to power 60,000 homes and support electric vehicle
infrastructure, the project includes EV charging stations, advancing
sustainable mobility in northern India.
- In March 2025,
E2SOL partnered with Yotta Energy to launch the Smart Solar Highway Median
(SSHM) Power Infrastructure System in the U.S. This initiative utilizes highway
medians to create self-sustaining energy hubs using solar generation,
microgrids, and Yotta’s modular storage, the Yotta Block. The system is
designed to ease EV charging challenges by delivering scalable,
grid-independent energy in high-demand traffic corridors.
- In May 2025,
Beijing Wistron Technology Ltd. completed the supply and installation of over
10,000 solar road studs across a 25-kilometer highway section in the UAE. These
solar-powered markers significantly enhance nighttime visibility and road
safety, offering a low-maintenance, energy-efficient alternative to traditional
lighting systems. The project underscores the practical deployment of solar in
traffic infrastructure.
- In March 2024,
Colas, in collaboration with CEA-INES, achieved IEC certification for its
Wattway photovoltaic road technology. This recognition confirms that Wattway
complies with international PV performance and safety standards, enhancing its
credibility for global commercial deployment. The certification marks a major
milestone in validating road-integrated solar technologies for broader
transportation applications.
- In November
2024, Solapave Pty Ltd. integrated its solar-powered road system into the
Mildura Rise Estate near Rockhampton, Australia. The technology embeds solar
generation and battery storage directly into road surfaces, offering potential
applications such as dynamic electric vehicle charging. This pilot demonstrates
the feasibility of combining transport infrastructure with renewable energy
solutions.
Key Market Players
- Colas
Group
- Solar
Roadways, Inc.
- Sichuan
Zhonghai New Energy Co., Ltd.
- Heijmans
N.V.
- China
Communications Construction Company Limited
- Integrated
Roadways LLC
- Bouygues
Energies & Services (Bouygues Group)
- Huawei
Digital Power Technologies Co., Ltd.
|
By Component
|
By Application
|
By End-User
|
By Region
|
- Solar Panels
- Inverters
- Others
|
- Roadways
- Foot
Path/Bike Path
- Parking Lots
|
- Government &
Public Infrastructure
- Private Entities
- Individuals
|
- North America
- Europe
- Asia Pacific
- South America
- Middle East &
Africa
|
Report Scope:
In this report, the Global Solar Highway Market has
been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry
trends which have also been detailed below:
- Solar Highway Market, By Component:
o Solar Panels
o Inverters
o Others
- Solar Highway Market, By Application:
o Roadway
o Foot Path/Bike Path
o Parking Lots
- Solar Highway Market, By End-User:
o Government & Public Infrastructure
o Private Entities
o Individuals
- Solar Highway Market, By
Region:
o North America
§ United States
§ Canada
§ Mexico
o Europe
§ France
§ United Kingdom
§ Italy
§ Germany
§ Spain
o Asia-Pacific
§ China
§ India
§ Japan
§ Australia
§ South Korea
o South America
§ Brazil
§ Argentina
§ Colombia
o Middle East & Africa
§ South Africa
§ Saudi Arabia
§ UAE
§ Kuwait
§ Turkey
Competitive Landscape
Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies
presents in the Global Solar Highway Market.
Available Customizations:
Global Solar Highway Market report with the
given Market data, Tech Sci Research offers customizations according to a
company's specific needs. The following customization options are available for
the report:
Company Information
- Detailed analysis and
profiling of additional Market players (up to five).
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