Approximately 2,000 cyclists pass every day along the two-way cycle path connecting two outlying districts of Amsterdam, the Dutch capital — Krommenie and Wormerveer. For commuters and students alike, the bicycle is the fastest way to get around.

From 12 November, a 70-metre stretch of this cycle path will become famous as the world's first section to incorporate solar panels. The project is called Solaroad and appears to be the perfect environmental solution: not only does a cycle path, in and of itself, benefit sustainable, low-impact mobility, but it is also capable of generating clean electricity.

The experimental stretch cost around three million euros, funded almost entirely by local authorities. The photovoltaic panels are made of crystalline silicon solar cells and are protected by a translucent layer of tempered glass. The 70-metre solar path should be able to cover the electricity needs of three households. Not a great deal — partly because the panels cannot be installed at an angle best suited to capturing maximum light and delivering high performance — but the aim is to make use of an area that would otherwise simply be covered in asphalt.

The goal is to reach 100 metres of solar path by 2016 and then attempt to extend the concept to conventional road sections — those still used by cars and other vehicles. According to the official Solaroad website, if all the roads in the United States were paved with solar panels, the country would produce three times its current energy output, cutting CO2 emissions by 75 per cent.