Snow fences are an important maintenance tool for capturing blowing and drifting snow and keeping it away from the roadway. However, these structures are only useful during winter months, serving little purpose throughout the majority of the year.
To increase the snow fences’ value, the Minnesota Department of Transportation conducted a research study that explored the functional and economic viability of adding solar panels to the fences in order to create clean energy year-round year without using any additional land.
Read the Research Summary: Solar Snow Fence Controls Drifting Snow While Generating Power, June 2025
Image source: Minnesota Department of Transportation