In an Australian first, electricity generating solar panels installed on noise walls along the recently upgraded Tullamarine Calder Interchange will soon power part of nearby freeway lighting, Minister for Roads and Ports Tim Pallas announced on Sunday.

“The solar panels installed here are pioneering environmentally sensitive options or road design, and enable up to 10 per cent of lighting to be generated from solar power,” Mr Pallas said.

“At the last election the Bracks Government committed to taking practical steps to address climate change and this solar energy initiative shows we are working to deliver on that commitment.”

Mr Pallas said 210 solar panels had been installed on noise walls along a 500 metre section of the Tullamarine Calder Interchange, and with wiring work almost complete, were expected to start feeding into the local electricity grid in the coming weeks.

“For many years now, eco-friendly road design has been a guiding principle in major road projects, such as native grass stormwater drainage systems and local fauna facilities that are in place at a number of recently completed major road projects,” Mr Pallas said.

“While this type of application is a first, it points to future projects having environmentally friendly elements in their original design, and as technology allows, will provide future transport infrastructure in an increasingly environmentally responsible manner.

“This initiative lessens the environmental impact of road transport.”

Mr Pallas said the solar panels were capable of generating enough electricity to power three small homes and offset the equivalent of 500,000 black balloons of greenhouse gases.

Mr Pallas praise the efforts of the Tullamarine-Calder Alliance in researching the use of solar panels worldwide to develop mire sustainable solutions for road construction, and acknowledged funding from sustainability Victoria.

Mr Pallas said in addition to generating electricity, the solar panels would reduce noise for nearby residents.

“Due to the thickness of the glass and acoustic tape installed between the panels, the solar panels will operate like normal noise walls and keep out noise, but have the added bonus of generating clean, renewable electricity,” Mr Pallas said.