News | WorldFrance opens world's first solar panel roadInnovative: The 1km stretch is covered with 2,880 solar panelsEPAJamie Bullen22 February 2017French ministers have opened the world’s first solar panel road in a Normandy village.Environment chief Ségolène Royal unveiled the 1km (0.6 mile) stretch covered with 2,880 solar panels in Tourouvre-au-Perche which is designed to power street lights for 3,400 villagers.It cost €5 million (£4.2 million) to construct with bosses claiming it will produce 280 megawatt hours of power annually. Daily production will vary depending on the weather.France said the solar panel road was the first of its kind and will be assessed after a two-year test period to determine its effectiveness.Read MoreRecipe: How to make Michelin-starred coq au vin Sunglasses indoors? It’s a yes from Emmanuel MacronLe Manoir appoints new three-star chef as two-star Raymond Blanc steps backSponsoredMake 2026 the year of working smarterThe country hopes to cover 1,000km (620 miles) of roadways with solar panels.Bosses described the new road as a “real opportunity for our innovation” but critics argued the Government has spent too much money on the project.MORE ABOUTFrance
