If you’ve driven through Augusta on I-95 lately, you’ve probably noticed the work being done by the Maine Department of Transportation to install solar arrays within the interstate rights-of-way at exits 109 and 112.
The state-owned land within these highway exchanges has sat vacant since the creation of the interstate system in the 1950s. It is not useable for agriculture, animal habitat, or construction. Maine can, however, reap significant environmental and financial benefits by using this previously unusable state land to generate clean energy.
Once these solar installations are complete, the panels will send low-cost renewable energy into the grid to power state office buildings throughout the Augusta area. We will be able to say that the Capitol Street and AMHI-East campuses — representing the core of state government buildings in Augusta — will be powered by…
Maine Compass: Interstate solar arrays will generate clean energy and reduce costs
