Ko-Solar and Kohlhauer Alliance to Integrate Solar Energy with Noise Protection in Next-Generation Infrastructure
Key Insights
Ko-Solar and Kohlhauer GmbH have formed a strategic alliance to develop multifunctional infrastructure solutions combining solar energy generation with environmental noise protection systems.
The partnership will focus on co-developing photovoltaic-integrated noise barriers and walls, initially targeting projects across North America and Europe.
This collaboration aims to streamline project delivery for governments and developers by offering turnkey solutions that enhance energy independence and reduce emissions.
The initiative seeks to redefine infrastructure by enabling structures to simultaneously generate clean power, mitigate noise pollution, and contribute to climate resilience efforts.
Ko-Solar, a U.S.-based innovator in transportation-based solar energy systems, and Kohlhauer GmbH, Germany’s leading developer of environmental noise protection systems, have forged a strategic alliance to advance sustainable and multifunctional infrastructure solutions globally. Announced on August 2, 2025, this collaboration marks a pivotal step towards integrating clean energy generation with critical environmental design, aiming to redefine the utility and impact of modern infrastructure.
Under the newly signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), the two industry leaders will combine their distinct expertise to design, develop, and deploy next-generation infrastructure that concurrently delivers noise reduction, clean energy generation, and enhanced climate resilience. Ko-Solar’s pioneering work in integrating solar technologies into transportation infrastructure, such as highways and railways, complements Kohlhauer’s extensive experience in advanced noise barrier systems, which have been deployed across diverse environments for over three decades.
“This collaboration is more than a partnership—it's a shared commitment to shaping the infrastructure of tomorrow,” stated Koray Kotan, Partner at Ko-Solar. “By uniting clean energy innovation with environmental design, we are providing scalable, high-impact solutions for communities around the world.” The alliance’s immediate focus will be on co-developing photovoltaic-integrated noise barriers, walls, and other multifunctional infrastructure systems. Initial projects are slated for North America and Europe, serving as critical demonstrations of how infrastructure can serve multiple purposes: generating solar power, significantly reducing noise pollution, and advancing broader climate objectives, all while maintaining aesthetic and structural integrity.
Reinhard Kohlhauer, Managing Director of Kohlhauer GmbH, expressed enthusiasm for the joint venture. “We are thrilled to partner with Ko-Solar, as our shared commitment to innovation in solar energy and transportation infrastructure aligns seamlessly with our vision for a more sustainable, greener world,” he commented. “Together, we will deliver smarter infrastructure solutions that address noise, energy, and sustainability challenges at once.”
This strategic partnership is also anticipated to streamline the project delivery process for governmental bodies and private developers. By offering turnkey, ready-to-implement solutions that are both technically advanced and financially viable, the alliance aims to simplify the adoption of integrated systems. The direct integration of solar generation into essential transportation infrastructure supports national and regional goals for energy independence, contributes significantly to emissions reduction targets, and enhances long-term infrastructure resilience against environmental changes. This collaboration underscores a growing industry trend towards holistic infrastructure planning that maximizes societal and environmental benefits.