Massachusetts officials say a plan to add solar panels to noise barriers along a busy stretch of highway will be the first project of its kind in the western hemisphere. About two dozen potential sites were considered, but Massachusetts Department of Transportation officials decided to test the idea in Lexington. Officials say the noise barrier on that strip of highway is 3,000 feet long. Photovoltaic panels — known more commonly as solar panels — will be mounted to the noise barrier. MassDOT officials estimate the pilot project will generate enough power to supply 120 homes. Ko-Solar created the design and is already in talks with other states that are also interested in the benefits."That's reducing carbon footprint, making something that's not very visually pleasing look better, and capturing energy," Mohammad Siddiqui from Ko-Solar said."It's very innovative and we're hoping that the pilot proves it's something that should be rolled out nationwide," Scott Bosworth, the undersecretary of MassDOT said. "MassDOT plans to use the results of the pilot, including information about noise impacts, maintenance, cost, and community perception, to determine the feasibility of (Photovoltaic Noise Barrier) applications elsewhere in the Commonwealth," a news release from the state agency said. MassDOT officials say the project involves several solar energy companies. It was designed in partnership with Ko-Solar; financed with Solect Energy, which will also install, monitor and maintain the project; and MassDOT said it will work with PowerOptions for the procurement and contracting.