LEDs are energy-saving, but it comes to face a problem that they don't burn hot enough to melt away snow. Currently, Green Bay of America is trying a new way to keep its LED traffic signals free of snow.
The city has installed bubble-shaped shields and vented visors on the LED lights at Walnut and Monroe streets downtown. when snow blows on the round covers it can't build up on the light.
According to Dave Hansen, "All of our signals have visors on them, but this one adds a vent on the top. The theory is, as wind blows towards it, it's going to angle the wind to come straight down."
However, if the city decides to install the products at every intersection it could be expensive. The shield covers alone could cost up to $175,000.
Based on $70,000 a year in energy going from all incandescent bulbs to LED bulbs the city spent, maybe it’s worthy.