Why There Are Rows Of Solar Panels Beside The Mass Pike

If your daily commute includes quality time on the Mass Pike, chances are you've noticed a sprinkling of solar panels popping up in rows along stretches of the highway, especially here in Framingham.

While the Legislature continues to debate the future of "net metering" — which puts a cap on commercial solar power production in the state — the state Department of Transportation is pushing forward with its solar project to generate green energy and savings for the department.

To learn more about the first phase of the energy project, we met Donald Pettey, MassDOT highway project manager for strategic initiatives, at the Framingham Service Plaza, next to several long rows of shiny solar panels.

Listen to the conversation with Pettey in the audio player above.