Snow fences are designed to improve visibility and safety by keeping snow from blowing and drifting across the roadway. However, these structures are typically only used during winter months and serve little purpose the rest of the year.
To add year-round value to the state’s snow fences, the Minnesota Department of Transportation conducted a research study exploring the functional and economic viability of installing solar panels on the fences to create clean energy 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