The paper presents the complete design of a photovoltaic noise barrier (PVNB) installation that can be used either to supply local electrical loads or for sale using the premium subsidy awarded by the China government. Possible designs for the PVNB are investigated together with economic and environmental analysis. For the first time, a PVNB has been installed along a metro line in China. The installed power is 8 kWp and the total length of the PV array is 360 m. According to the site and environmental conditions, the form and electrical connections of PVNB have been determined. Net Present Value (NPV) and the Pay-Back Period are chosen as the parameters to determine the profitability of a PVNB installation. At the same time, energy pay-back time (EPBT) is used to evaluate the environmental benefits of PVNB systems; for the specific system analyzed the EPBT is 5.4 years. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.