The first solar-mounted soundproof wall in the US

Ko-Solar Company plans to install solar panels on Interstate 95 roadside acoustic walls, which is expected to produce enough electricity for 100 homes.

Massachusetts may become the first state in the US to install solar panels on roadside acoustic walls , Interesting Engineering reported on November 6. This innovative system was designed by Ko-Solar, a local company. The project will launch in the spring of 2022.

Roadside soundproof walls can be used to produce solar power. (Photo: Ko-Solar).

Before that, Ko-Solar used to only install solar panels in places like industrial parks and parking lots. So the new project will be a unique addition. If all goes according to plan, Interstate 95, Boston, will soon be upgraded with renewable energy.

Ko-Solar is developing a pilot project with the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) to upgrade a 0.8km stretch of 160 acoustic retaining walls including 160 barriers on Interstate 95. Specifically, the project team will install metal brackets to the side of these shields to install solar cells.

"If successful, the project will create momentum for many other places to adopt similar measures. Why don't we modify existing structures and upgrade them? Most states in the US have soundproof walls." , said Mohammed Siddiqui, employee at Ko-Solar.

The metal rack not only helps to mount the solar cell to the acoustic wall, but also to find the right angle to maximize the energy captured during the day. The panels are expected to be installed on the side adjacent to the road surface. MassDOT will buy back the electricity they produce. The project is estimated to generate around 800 MWh of electricity per year, enough to power 100 homes.

However, the project may have some disadvantages. The installation of solar panels for acoustic retaining walls will be closely monitored by the authorities to ensure that the metal rack does not affect the structural integrity of the wall. Authorities also want to find out how the local weather affects them and whether the panels could dazzle drivers.