Photovoltaic generation potential assessment of highway systems based on irradiance–terrain–road network coupling

As a critical potential carrier for distributed photovoltaic systems, highways require refined generation potential assessment to support effective energy development along road corridors. This study explores three spatial categories along highways—wayside space, structural space, and building space—and constructs a coupled "Irradiance–Terrain–Road Network" multi-factor assessment model for photovoltaic power generation potential, with OpenCV employed to perform multi-factor image coupling analysis. The results indicate that the annual photovoltaic generation potential of China's 185,000-kilometer highway network reaches 1.82×10 11 kWh, the estimated annual PV generation potential is equivalent to approximately 1.85% of national electricity consumption under the adopted assumptions. A Monte Carlo sensitivity analysis on TCF (N = 10000) yields a 95% confidence interval of [1.66, 1.98] ×10 11 kWh with a relative uncertainty of ±8.76%, in which TCF₂ (Tier 2) is identified as the most influential parameter (r = 0.974), thereby verifying the robustness of the proposed model. To ensure the effective conversion of this substantial generation capacity, the study further proposes differentiated photovoltaic utilization modes aligned with grid conditions, offering a comprehensive solution for the economic development and efficient utilization of photovoltaic systems along highways.