Q What role do the solar panels play in the wireless network?

A The solar panels would power batteries that store energy and connect to radio nodes, or transmitters. The radio nodes create the network, sending and receiving signals from the city's computers. All wireless networks have radio nodes. But usually, those radios are powered by electric current.

Q Why not just use the usual electrical hookup?

A It costs more. If powered by electricity, the 400 radio nodes would be connected to utility poles for a fee of $10 to $20 a month. The city expects to save $40,000 to $50,000 a year just on energy. And solar power is better for the environment, which fits into the city's goals.

Q Do we get enough sun here for it to work?

A Yes. ARINC and its partners looked at 30 years of weather information and determined the city has more than enough sun. Even in those 30 years' darkest December weeks, solar panels would have still functioned.

Solar panels do not work only with bright, cloudless sunlight. They can make do with more limited sun.

Q What if snow covers up the solar panels?

A Snow will not stick to the panels for three reasons: The panels are angled, their finish is glass-like, and they'll produce a small amount of heat, which will help melt snow.

Q Where will the solar panels and radios be located?

A About 400 panel-and-radio pairings will be mounted on new 25-foot poles and existing streetlights, buildings and other city property. The pairings can be placed almost anywhere because unlike a conventional network, a solar-powered network doesn't have to be connected to the electrical grid. The radios wirelessly communicate with one another and to gateway radios that connect to the city's fiber-optic backbone, which in turn connects back to City Hall.

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