Photovoltaic road pavements as a strategy for low-carbon urban infrastructures

Urban Heat Islands (UHIs) are expanding in anthropized areas, causing serious climatic consequences such as rising temperatures and citizens' discomfort. Several studies have identified confirmed how the use of cool road pavements can mitigate reduce negative effects UHIs. This study performs a microclimate simulation San Pietro Vincula Square Rome through ENVI-Met software by replacing current asphalt pavement parking area with one. The proposed layout consists light concrete pavers lots, aisles made photovoltaic (PV) panels, perimeter hedge. innovative PVs is analysed from thermal economic viewpoints alike. In first case, its characteristics like those provide results terms air temperature, mean radiant predicted vote close to ones. Furthermore, energy analysis shows PV's effectiveness impact. Indeed, electricity produced PV system enough area, surplus power public activities electric vehicle charging. initial investment would pay for itself 25-year service life positive net present value (NPV), cash flow reveals break-even point 15th year.