Course Description
Highway Right of Way (ROW) areas are becoming recognized as potential alternative energy resources in many state Departments of Transportation (DOTs). Right of Ways (ROWs) have several advantages for energy development, but the potential impacts of photovoltaic (PV) arrays on driver safety, highway operation and maintenance, and the environment are first being investigated before the widespread use of this technology is adopted.
This course describes the characteristics of highway ROWs that complement the generation of solar energy and introduces some of the benefits of PV arrays in ROWs. It also introduces the main concerns and potential impacts associated with the leasing of a ROW to energy providers and provides a research-based analysis of these concerns. It concludes with findings that could help inform states about the impacts of implementing this technology.
Learning Objectives
• History of Solar Energy Utilization in Highway Infrastructure
• Existing Examples of PV Arrays in Highway ROWs
• ROW PV Resource Potential
• ROW PV Potential Impact Concerns
• ROW Design Requirements
• ROW Environmental Regulations
• Utility Accommodation Policy
• Potential Conflict with PV Array Development
• Driver Safety Impacts
• Road Maintenance Impacts
• Environmental Impacts
• Research Methods and Tools
• Mitigation Analysis
• Recommendations for ROW PV Applications
This course is based on the Colorado Department of Transportation publication, Potential Impacts of Solar Arrays on Highway Environment, Safety, and Operations.
This course includes a multiple-choice quiz at the end which is intended to provide 5 hours of professional development.
Prerequisites:
There are no special prerequisites for this course.
