What are the solar panels by the side of the track for?

Question

I was just wondering if the question about solar panels at the side of the tracks was ever answered. I drive by one every day going to and from work and was just curious.

Answer 1

to collect solar power they probally power a switch or some low volt sensor hard to say without seeing them

Answer 2

The solar panels are most often recharging battery back-up systems for any electronic devises near by, such as trackside detectors, signal relay bouses, signals, crossing protection and so on.

In the more remote areas of the country, where electricity lines have not yet reached, they are the primary source of power for these types of devices, which in fact are bettery operated.