In partnership with Esri, the global leader in location intelligence, The Ray has developed a cutting-edge Right-of-Way (ROW) Solar Analysis Tool. This innovative tool empowers agencies to rapidly assess the economic viability of ROW locations for solar array development. Leveraging state DOT datasets, the tool generates precise configurations of solar arrays optimized for various ROW types, streamlining the planning process and accelerating the deployment of renewable energy infrastructure.

Our collective state-based analyses demonstrate the passive capacity and untapped power that highway and rail ROW possess. At the close of 2024, the combined data from the land surveyed on behalf of our partners reveals that there are 847,669 suitable acres for solar ROW installation. This can be converted into 169,938 megawatts (MW) of energy and 269,320,526 megawatt-hours per year (MWh/yr). The estimated energy value is astounding—more than $32.8 trillion annually. Moreover, the carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) is 191,386,682 metric tons.

DOT Partnership Highlights

The Ray is driving the adoption of ROW solar development through strategic partnerships and expert analysis. In Ohio, The Ray presented its solar analysis findings to Aerozone Alliance and Cuyahoga County, identified sites for 3D modeling, and is refining the results. In Indiana, The Ray provided critical input on site proposals and contract agreements for two solar development sites pursued by the Indiana Department of Transportation (InDOT) in partnership with Purdue University.

For the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT), The Ray developed planning-level ROW data for 80 counties, supplementing MDOT’s existing data. Leveraging this enhanced dataset, The Ray conducted a statewide ROW solar suitability analysis and delivered strategic briefing documents to MDOT, including a state energy market analysis and options for structuring a statewide ROW solar program. In Washington State, following a visit by state leaders to The Ray Highway, The Ray and the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) updated their partnership agreement to address a ROW analysis mandated by a recent budget provision. A dedicated WSDOT team has been identified, and the collaborative project is underway.

In Pennsylvania, The Ray has partnered with Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT) system to support their electric bus fleet expansion. The Ray is conducting a ROW solar analysis to explore opportunities for generating additional electric capacity near PRT’s park-and-ride lots and other ROW properties. Finally, in Missouri, The Ray presented 3D models for ten prioritized solar sites along the I-70 corridor to Missouri Department of Transportation MoDOT.