Saga Prefecture plans to let a solar power generating company use the slopes on a roads near the Ariake Sea free of charge. Under revised Road Act passed in April, roads and slopes can now be used for solar power generation as long as permission is received from the entity that maintains them. This is first instance of road slopes being used for solar power generation since the amended law came into effect. Saga Prefecture spends ¥4 million a year maintaining the grass along its road slopes, so it hopes to cut these costs by having the solar power companies maintain them instead. The Prefecture will start by leasing the slopes along a 2km section of a prefectural road to a company that will install 3,800 250-watt solar panels. The panels will generate enough electricity to power 300 homes. Source: Nishinippon Shimbun, 10/18
