Concepts of Solar Batteries Integration in Linear Infrastractural Objects

Abstract

Land use and maintenance are often underestimated in solar power costs evaluation, but those become more significant as solar cell prices go down. A shared use of land, infrastructure and maintenance can both reduce the solar electricity price and boost new infrastructure projects by supplying the demanded power and acceleration of investment return. We considered the possible technical, economic and social benefits of PV integration in railroads and powerlines. Some of the conclusions could be also expanded to other linear structures, demanding land alienation (pipe lines, highways, etc.). Own energy generation could significantly reduce the investment return period of such infrastructure. A possibility of getting high DC voltages in PV systems directly could be the most demanded in the 1.5 and 3 kVDC powered railroads. The application of solar batteries could also significantly improve railroads embankment stabilization in permafrost regions, which becomes more pronounced in connection with global warming and Arctic regions development.