This online engineering PDH course describes various impacts associated with the deployment of solar arrays in right of ways (ROWs).
This online engineering PDH course describes various impacts associated with the deployment of solar arrays in right of ways (ROWs). European countries have been deploying solar arrays in ROWs for over thirty years, and today most U.S. state departments of transportation and the Federal Highway Administration agree that solar array deployment in the ROW is possible, after careful site evaluation and impact analysis. Typical spaces available for solar energy generation are rest areas, land outside ROW clear zones, space adjacent to interchanges, and roof tops. In addition to the available space, ROWs offer electrical infrastructure corridors (existing transmission lines aligned with the highways), well maintained secure land, and easy access for construction and maintenance. The main potential concerns associated with solar array deployment in the ROW and the main focus of this course are driver safety, highway operation, maintenance, and environmental impacts. The course is based on the impact of solar array deployment specifically in the State of Colorado but almost all of the concerns discussed apply to other states as well.
Topics: PV array in ROW Regulations and permitting requirements Field study findings Driver safety impacts Road maintenance impacts Environmental impacts Mitigation analysis.
Intended Audience: This course is intended for civil, highway, and electrical engineers interested in the possibility of installing solar arrays in highway right of ways.
Publication Source: This course is based on Report No. CDOT-2015-08 of the Colorado Department of Transportation, “Potential Impacts of Solar Arrays on Highway Environment, Safety, and Operations,” written by Ananda Paudel and Arthur Hirsch, October 2015, under Contract No. 032.08.
Civil Engneering faculty member for 27 years
Dr. Rossow is a graduate of the University of Michigan with B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. degrees. He is a licensed Professional Engineer in the State of Illinois. He taught civil engineering for over 35 years, including six years at Washington University in St. Louis and 29 years at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, where he was the Chair of the Civil Engineering Department for ten years. His areas of expertise are in civil engineering and mechanics. He has consulted for various organizations, including government agencies and an international offshore drilling company. He has published numerous technical journal articles and technical reports for a variety of governmental agencies and private sector organizations. Mark P. Rossow, PE, PhD Licensed Professional Engineer in State of Illinois License No. 062.040560 Dr. Rossow is a graduate of the University of Michigan with B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. degrees. He taught civil engineering for over 35 years, including six years at Washington University in St. Louis and 29 years at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, where he was the Chair of the Civil Engineering Department for ten years. His areas of expertise are in civil engineering and mechanics. He has consulted for various organizations, including government agencies and an international offshore drilling company. He has published many journal articles and technical reports.
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