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Do you agree with the state’s plan to install thousands of solar panels at two exits off Interstate 95 in Augusta? 

The Maine Department of Transportation plans to build solar farms at two exits off Interstate 95 in Augusta.

It’s a move that has drawn concern from local officials and highlighted the fact that the projects do not need review or approval from the city of Augusta. Thousands of panels would be installed at the farms, in areas that near the instate exits that were clear-cut of trees just a few years ago.

The interstate is part of the federal transportation system and projects occurring within its right of way are exempt from complying with whatever local regulations and zoning requirements municipalities it passes through may have. That means the Augusta Planning Board will not review the project plans and the projects will not be required to comply with city standards for solar installations.

Even so, Augusta city officials have said they wish the state had submitted plans for the projects for review by the Planning Board, as the state did with another solar farm development planned at the Augusta State Airport. One city councilor raised concerns about aesthetics of the projects and said that “Augusta is probably going to be coined the solar panel capital of Maine.”

But what do you think? Do you agree with the state’s plan to install thousands of solar panels at two exits off Interstate 95 in Augusta?  Tell us what you think in the poll and comments below.