The most effective noise-reducing materials for solar facilities, especially around noisy components like inverters and substations, are those that actively absorb sound rather than merely deflect it. Key options include:
Sound-Absorbing Panels and Barriers
- Fiber Reinforced Products (FRP) panels with UV coatings: These are engineered to absorb sound waves, reducing noise pollution effectively without reflecting sound back into the environment. They are durable and resistant to weather degradation, making them suitable for outdoor solar farm use.
- Patented Absorptive Noise Barrier Systems: These systems use specialized sound-absorbing panels designed specifically for solar farms, which can reduce noise by 15-20 decibels. They are customizable, competitively priced, and built to last for decades, overcoming the limitations of traditional materials like metal, wood, concrete, or PVC that either reflect sound or degrade over time.
Innovative Solar Noise Barriers That Generate Energy
- Photovoltaic Noise Barriers (PVNB) developed by Mitrex combine noise absorption with solar energy generation. These barriers have a Noise Reduction Coefficient (NRC) of 0.80+, indicating strong sound absorption, and a Sound Transmission Class (STC) of 40. They absorb urban noise while simultaneously producing renewable energy, thus providing dual environmental benefits. Ideal for installations near highways or noisy urban areas, these integrated barriers enhance sustainability without requiring extra land.
Specialized Acoustic Membranes
- Industrial Acoustifence Membranes: Thin (about 1/8 inch) membranes designed to move with sound waves, converting sound energy into inaudible frictional energy. These membranes can be attached to existing fences around solar facilities to significantly reduce inverter noise. This approach has proven successful at large-scale solar parks experiencing neighbor complaints about noise.
Materials to Avoid or Consider with Caution
- Traditional materials like metal, wood, concrete, and PVC are often used to build enclosures or walls but tend to reflect rather than absorb sound and may degrade or contain harmful chemicals over time.
Summary Table
| Material / Solution | Noise Reduction Approach | Durability & Sustainability | Additional Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| FRP Panels with UV Coatings | Sound absorption | Weather-resistant, long-lasting | Customizable for solar farms |
| Patented Absorptive Noise Barrier System | Absorbs 15-20 dB noise | Durable, competitively priced | Specifically designed for solar facilities |
| Mitrex Photovoltaic Noise Barriers (PVNB) | Absorbs sound, STC 40, NRC 0.80+ | Integrated solar panels generate power | Dual noise control and energy production |
| Industrial Acoustifence Membrane | Converts sound to friction energy | Flexible, easy to install on fences | Effective for inverter noise |
| Traditional Metal, Wood, Concrete, PVC | Sound reflection (less effective) | Prone to degradation, some toxic | Visual barrier only |
Overall, the most effective noise-reducing materials for solar facilities are absorptive panels (such as FRP with UV coatings), patented absorptive noise barriers designed for solar farms, innovative photovoltaic noise barriers that combine sound absorption with energy generation, and specialized acoustic membranes like Acoustifence for inverter noise. These materials outperform traditional reflective enclosures by providing sustained, effective noise reduction without environmental or durability drawbacks.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/what-are-the-most-effective-noise-reducing-materials-for-solar-facilities/
