Durisol collaborates with solar leader, Mitrex, to bring the world the first solar-powered, sound-absorptive highway noise barrier.
TORONTO, ON, June 2022 – Durisol Ltd. is an industry leader in noise and retaining wall systems with roots in absorptive noise barrier technology. As an engineered solutions provider, they are at the forefront of roadside safety with our MASH crash-tested noise barriers and environmental responsibility with more efficient, long-lasting products that help build more sustainable roads, highways, and bridges across the province.
Through collaboration with Mitrex, a photovoltaic noise barrier (PVNB) is in development for the North American market, offering a Noise Reduction Coefficient (NRC) of 0.7 through ASTM C423 testing, solar power production, and enhanced aesthetics for use on roads and highways.
The solar power produced by these new, innovative noise barriers can be directly supplied and used by nearby infrastructure. With a capacity of up to 22 W/SF, the solar power produced by these new, innovative noise barriers will transform our roadways into energy generators while maintaining the structure’s functionality. On average, each kilometer will be equal to a 1.2 MW power plant. The PVNBs can even be offered in virtually any design, including opaque and transparent options.
The truly revolutionary aspect of the PVNB panel technology is their noise absorptive characteristics. With performance comparable to existing absorptive noise barriers, the ability of these PVNBs to reduce unwanted traffic noise while also producing energy is the first type of noise barrier wall system of its kind.
Together, the companies have begun working with the Ministry of Transportation of Ontario (MTO) to assist in establishing product approval guidelines for this new technology by integrating Mitrex absorptive PVNB panels into existing MTO-approved noise wall system designs.
As these new guidelines are being established, Durisol has selected some of their existing noise barrier wall systems throughout North America to begin retrofitting with PVNB panels. These pilot projects with government entities are aimed to capture data and analyze the performance of PVNB absorptive panels for use in future projects.
Expanding from typical noise barriers you find along roads and highways, Durisol envisions a future where these integral structures can also give back in other ways:
“Building future-ready noise barriers means incorporating sustainable construction solutions for the built environment. While we protect our communities and allow them to thrive through noise protection, there are other ways that we can contribute to resilient, livable neighbourhoods,” says Jason Spencer, President at Durisol. “Collaborations like these allow us to think outside of the norm and achieve something greater than we could’ve in our separate fields. It allows us to bring new technology to market faster and more efficiently, which is ultimately what all stakeholders and end users need from solution providers today.”
The demand for sustainable technology is only increasing. Innovations in integrated solar technology will continue to reduce global carbon emissions and transform energy generation.
Solar noise barrier key features:
- Sound absorptive noise barriers for any roadway
- Integrated solar technology made in Canada
- Production capacity of up to 22W/SF of energy
- Aesthetic options including opaque, semi-opaque, and transparent
- Low embodied carbon coupled with clean energy generation; a negative carbon embodiment of over -1000 kg of CO2 per SM.
About Durisol Inc
Durisol is an industry leader in noise and retaining wall systems, having been established for more than 68 years. Collaborating and innovating are at their core, meeting the needs of the transportation, building and energy sectors across North America. Durisol’s vision is to anticipate solutions to complex problems as a trusted end-to-end service partner, with a mission to protect communities and allow them to thrive. For more information, please visit https://www.durisol.com/
About Mitrex
Researching, advancing, and manufacturing integrated solar technology is at the core of Mitrex. A world leader in the green building sector, Mitrex has made it its mission to have a transformative effect on the building industry through the adoption of sustainable, human-made structures that produce energy. As a company, Mitrex strives to balance the intersection of beauty and efficiency. Mitrex believes that rapid, low-cost, sustainable manufacturing is economically viable, and is the road to a brighter future for humanity. For more information, please visit www.mitrex.com.
For further information, contact:
Heather Scriver
info@durisol.com
1-866-801-0999
