What are these sprouting up on Highways?

[KathyT]

Originally Posted by gscraig

Hello All,

I meant to post this weeks ago, but I spoke with a Deputy District Director with the State Transportation department regarding these. He did indicate that they are solar panels, and the distance between them on the highways was to get different angles (this however cannot be totally accurate based on how these are constructed in my area alone).

I asked him about the poles where there was no camera, but only solar panels and he had no answer. He then referred me to the same site as Kathy did above. I've now seen a couple of poles (one no higher than maybe 6'0 from the ground) with two massive panels, but no cameras attached. Though we here in our state fought it, their are cameras (different than the expressways) up at most high traffic intersections now.

Folks, call me paranoid, but something tells me that these obstructs can serve purposes other than what we or those whom are putting them up (including the gentlemen I spoke with) are being told publicly.

That's all. Just wanted to be consistent and try to follow up on this.

Greg

Greg, I'm glad you talked with the State Transportation department. I don't think they're anything to worry about. Just because there is a solar panel doesn't mean there will always be a traffic cam next to it. They serve different purposes.. .but basically provide electrical power to places where there is no direct electrical line. Lots of good uses of solar panels.

In the MidWest... like Kansas that I visited, they have early alert Tornado warning systems. They're on posts that are out in the middle of no where... they may be powered by solar in some cases.

Going green is a good thing!