As global demand for renewable energy continues to surge, 2022 represented a pivotal turning point for solar paving technology, moving from conceptual verification toward large-scale application. From the FIFA World Cup venues in Qatar to integrated energy projects in Chinese counties, and from new paving modules in Hungary to road-integrated photovoltaics in Canada, solar walkway and grating installation technologies demonstrated diversified development throughout the year.

FRP Solar Walkway Grating: A Safety Barrier for Rooftop PV Maintenance

In May 2022, FRP (Fiber-Reinforced Plastic) solar walkway grating saw widespread application in commercial and industrial rooftop photovoltaic (PV) installations. Characterized by excellent corrosion resistance, superior insulation properties, and ease of installation, these grating systems are specifically designed to ensure safe access routes within rooftop solar arrays. FRP solar walkway systems, comprising grating panels and connection fittings, are widely deployed in corrosive environments such as power plants, chemical facilities, water treatment plants, and offshore oil platforms. The grating typically features a 38×38mm mesh size, with thickness options ranging from 25mm to 38mm based on load-bearing requirements, and widths customizable between 30cm and 100cm. The lightweight design significantly simplifies handling and installation, while its non-slip and non-conductive properties ensure operational safety around electrical equipment in PV fields.

China's Photovoltaic Floor Tiles: From R&D to Field Deployment

In July 2022, Hete Photoelectric, a subsidiary of Hangxiao Steel Structure, announced the successful installation and commissioning of its independently developed "Rectangular Photovoltaic Floor Tiles" within the Chaoyang County Comprehensive Smart Energy Phase I Project, covering an area exceeding 440 square meters. The product is hailed as a "novel pavement illumination building material," capable of generating power during the day and emitting light at night. It features a high-wear, anti-slip surface and exceptional load-bearing capacity, withstanding up to 2 tons of point pressure. Notably, Hete Photoelectric has engaged in partnerships with major central state-owned enterprises, including China Energy, SPIC, CCCC, and CNOOC, signaling growing mainstream recognition for photovoltaic paving technology in China. Furthermore, the company revealed that its power-generating highway product has successfully passed comprehensive performance testing and is currently undergoing preliminary design for upcoming collaborative projects.

Qatar World Cup: The Global Debut of Walkable Solar Panels

November 2022 witnessed the first global public showcase of walkable solar panel technology at the FIFA World Cup Qatar. The SUNPave project, co-founded by Mohammed AlGammal of Texas A&M University at Qatar, installed approximately 50 square meters of walkable solar panels in the ticketing center area of Al Thumama Stadium. These tiles feature a scratch-resistant, non-slip, anti-glare design, automatic solar tracking capabilities, and extremely high mechanical strength. It is estimated that the energy generated by this area is sufficient to power an entire three-bedroom apartment, including air conditioning, lighting, and refrigeration. AlGammal noted that a key innovation of the technology lies in its ability to capture energy comparable to tilted conventional panels even when installed flat on the ground or vertically on walls.

In preparation for the World Cup, Dr. Azmy Gowaid's team from Glasgow Caledonian University had earlier received $100,000 in funding from the organizing committee to develop a solar paver prototype based on epoxy resin and a recycled plastic frame. This product incorporated an innovative cooling mechanism designed to operate effectively under Qatar's surface temperatures, which can reach up to 80°C.

Pavement-Integrated Photovoltaics (PIPV): The Energy Transition of Transport Infrastructure

In September 2022, BASF and Canadian company Solar Earth announced the joint development of Pavement-Integrated Photovoltaic (PIPV) panels designed for installation on new or existing roads and other surfaces. BASF designed and optimized the polyurethane materials to provide exceptional abrasion resistance, superior mechanical properties, and extended product lifespan. Solar Earth CEO Douglas Matthews stated that the panels are capable of withstanding harsh weather, theft, and vandalism, and can even support the weight of a truck. PIPV panels offer a means of generating clean energy for the grid or for applications such as EV charging, lighting, and de-icing without consuming additional land resources, representing a new direction toward "infrastructure solarization."

Earlier in June 2022, Hungarian company Platio Solar unveiled its next-generation paving PV module at The Smarter E Europe exhibition in Munich, Germany. The module measures 359×359×41 mm and weighs 6.5 kg, with the monocrystalline version achieving a photovoltaic conversion efficiency of 22.3%. The frame is constructed from 100% recycled plastic, and the surface is covered with 10mm acid-etched, anti-slip tempered glass. Each module can withstand a wheel load of 2 tons, allowing a vehicle weighing up to 8 tons to drive safely over it.

Diverse Exploration of Highway Photovoltaics in China

In 2022, China also accelerated its exploration of highway PV applications. The Panda Expressway in Sichuan utilizes highway slopes and building rooftops to host solar power stations, achieving self-sufficiency while feeding 80% of the generated electricity back into the national grid. In June, the Zero-Carbon Demonstration Project along the Tarim Desert Highway was completed—marking China's longest photovoltaic-powered irrigation and sand control project. Solar panels now gleam under the sun beside well houses distributed along the shelterbelt forest. These practical implementations have accumulated valuable experience for the broader promotion of solar paving and photovoltaic grating technologies.