As an emerging energy harvesting pavement technology, the photovoltaic (PV) pavement, which combines mature photovoltaic power generation technology with traditional pavement facilities, can make full use of the vast spatial resource of roadways. This study conducts a comprehensive literature review on physical models and performance evaluations of PV pavement. The basic three-layer structure of the pavement module is presented, and the pros and con. As an emerging energy harvesting pavement technology, the photovoltaic (PV) pavement, which combines mature photovoltaic power generation technology with traditional pavement facilities, can make full use of the vast spatial resource of roadways. This study conducts a comprehensive literature review on physical models and performance evaluations of PV pavement. The basic three-layer structure of the pavement module is presented, and the pros and cons of different physical model designs are compared in each layer separately. Thus a more suitable scheme could be proposed based on various application scenarios. The significance of testing standards for modular properties and energy simulation methods considering shading is emphasized, and the cost-effectiveness of three PV pavements and other energy harvesting pavements is compared. With the lowest Levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) of 1.65 $/kWh, the investment of PV pavement could not even recover within the 20 years lifetime. It might not be economically attractive until the LCOE is lower than 0.2 $/kWh. This technology is still in the early research stage nowadays, with relatively poor long-term stability and low effectiveness. Based on the review, this study summarizes the challenges of PV pavement in six aspects, while proposing perspectives and recommendations for its further development accordingly.••••The general three-layer structure of solar pavement is illustrated.••The characteristics of various pavement modules are compared in each layer.••The consideration of shading will enhance the accuracy of energy yield simulation.••Long-term stability and cost-effectiveness are still the main obstacles to its popularity.••Recommendations. Photovoltaic pavementRoad energy harvestingTransportation infrastructuresSolar roadDue to the excessive use of fossil fuels, the increasing energy shortage and environmental damage are threatening the survival of human beings,. China has determined to alleviate the reliance on traditional fossil energy, and set the ambitious goal to achieve carbon peak by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2060. Therefore, it is of great significance to seek clean and renewable alternative energy forms and develop the corresponding energy harvesting, transportation, and storage technologies accordingly.The global road network system occupies many land resources. By the end of 2020, China had reached a total road length of 5.198 million kilometers alone. From this viewpoint, the road network system has the basic function of transportation and the potential of clean and renewable energy harvesting. Over the past few decades, researchers have tried to capture and convert different forms of energy from the road into electricity,,,, including mechanical energy, solar energy, geothermal energy, wind energy, and acoustic energy. The mechanical energy collection is mainly through the piezoelectric element,. However, the compatibility between piezoelectric materials and pavement is relatively poor, meaning the embedment of components will change the stress distribution of the original road structure and easily destroy the road. The utilization of geothermal energ. Basic concept and structureThe solar cell is the core electric element of the PV pavement. It is based on the photovoltaic effect first proposed by Becquerel in 1839. A solar cell is composed of a P-type semiconductor and an N-type semiconductor, while the P-N junction is formed at their interface. When the solar cell is exposed to sunlight, the electrons will receive the energy from photons and move toward the N-type region, making the N-type region negatively charged. Correspondingly, the holes will move toward the P-type region, making the P-type region positively charged. In this way, the electromotive force is generated at various sides of the P-N junction. If connected to external loads, the direct current will be observed. The ideal electric characteristics of silicon solar cells can be described by the five-parameter model based on the one-diode equation simply. Then the direct current is converted into alternating current through the inverter. Part of the electricity is for the operation of the PV pavement module itself, while the remaining will be stored in the roadside battery bank or transported toward the grid.For the convenience of manufacturing and installation, almost all PV pavements are designed in the form of modularity. The pavment module's common and basic structure can be divided into three layers, as illustrated in Fig. 1. From top to bottom is the surface transparent la.
