Technology

This depends on what you're optimizing for. If you are optimizing for total energy captured per square metre, then you're right about the benches.

But suppose you have a sufficient flux even with some areas being covered so you aren't bothered by the shadows. Wouldn't it be aesthetically superior to have uniform tile types? Or would you prefer they micromanage the tile placement such that the tiles below the bench shadows are different?

Anyway, I think it is a good idea. Better than the silly solar roadways crap.

Literally just put them 2 and a half meters higher so they provide shade for sitting in the bench instead of people shading the panels.

True, they should use benches like these for solar rays to pass through

The cells ability to produce power is directly related to how much light it gets. You'd be able to measure it. Take a reading as is. Then remove the weeds, take a reading. Then clean it, take a reading. Then point it at the sun so it's as perpendicular as you can get it, take a reading. Each time you should see an increase in output.

Panels on the ground that people are going to walk in (or drive) are going to be prone to damage. I'm fact, they've already done ground solar panel installations and they've all failed as far as I know. When placed above, you don't need to over engineer it to survive things. Concrete, can handle a lot more wear and tear, as well as being easy to repair and recycles really well.

Basically, there's an objectively better way to use the panels.

Yeah feels already hot from just looking at it

And put some goddamn plants under it.

PV Magazine is more or less an outlet for press releases by companies trying to innovate (often in air quotes) with photovoltaics. I'm honestly not even sure why it's allowed here; it's completely uncritical. May as well cite a press release on the manufacturer's website at that point instead of laundering it through a magazine.